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From April 24 to 26, 2026, the port of Saint Jean de Losne, at the crossroads of European waterways, will once again become the national meeting point for the river industry. In addition to the 600 boats scheduled to dock and the trade stands, the event will highlight fundamental issues of direct concern to shipowners, boaters, shipyards and project developers.
Decarbonization and energy autonomy: concrete solutions for riverboats
The energy transition is now a necessity for inland navigation. Hybrid engines, electric propulsion, optimized hulls to reduce drag, fine-tuned management of on-board consumption: the possibilities are numerous. But implementing them remains a complex task for operators and private individuals alike.
The workshops announced on decarbonation and energy autonomy are aimed primarily at professionals, rental companies, cruise lines and fleet managers. They are also of interest to owners of houseboats and barges who are considering converting their combustion engines.
The obvious advantage is that the reduction in emissions and noise improves the acceptability of navigation on networks that are often close to urban centers. The major drawback is the cost of investment and the availability of recharging infrastructure on certain sections of canal. Then there's the question of battery weight, on-board integration and electrical safety standards applicable in wet environments.
Acquisition and maintenance of river boats, a market under pressure
The Salon Fluvial showcases the buying and selling of boats, a subject much sought-after by pleasure boaters. Steel launches, polyester units, houseboats, retired rental boats: the range is wide, but the market remains technical.
Buying a riverboat is not just about checking the condition of the engine. The hull, often made of steel, needs to be checked for residual thickness, quality of welds, and any corrosion under the living parts. A trip to the dry dock and an independent survey are key steps.
On the upkeep side, maintaining an inland waterway boat involves regular careening, anti-corrosion treatment, and monitoring heating and electrical systems. Workshops and professional meetings will shed light on these points, particularly for new entrants to the industry.
River tourism and itinerancy: services to attract new sailors
River tourism, a cross between boating and exploring the countryside on foot or by bike, is gaining in importance. Services for itinerants are among the themes announced. Equipped nautical stops, water and electricity refuelling stations, short-term rental solutions, combined boat and bike offers.
For local authorities and port managers, the challenge is twofold. Attracting new customers while controlling traffic flows and the impact on the riverbanks. For yachtsmen, the quality of the infrastructure is the key to a successful cruise on the Saône, the Burgundy Canal or the Rhone-Rhine Canal.
Speed meetings and workshops: tools for structuring the industry
In addition to the exhibition afloat, the show program includes 10 participative workshops and targeted business meetings. The speed meetings will be of particular interest to project owners, whether they want to open a rental base, develop a refit yard or launch an innovative service.
This short format encourages direct exchanges between exhibitors and visitors. It responds to the sector's strong desire to structure commercial and technical relations without relying solely on informal contacts on the pontoons.
Grand Prix and river traditions, between recognition and freshwater culture
The Grands Prix du Salon Fluvial awards recognize initiatives in river innovation, sustainable development, equipment and destinations. For professionals, these awards act as a technical and institutional showcase.
But the show also retains a heritage dimension. The mass and the christening of the boats recall the historical roots of inland navigation. In a port like Saint Jean de Losne, where barges are built and maintained, this tradition speaks as much to old bargemen as to new yachtsmen.
All in all, this 11th edition of the event poses a simple question to all those involved in the waterways sector: how to adapt inland navigation to environmental and economic constraints, without losing the spirit of the canals. And from April 24 to 26, 2026, everyone will be on the quayside looking for concrete answers.
