How Our Long-Term Commitment Secures Your Maritime Future

In a sector that evolves by the season, true partnerships are measured not by contracts, but by consistency.

At UNITED WATERWAYS , we’ve seen firsthand how long-standing collaboration strengthens resilience, inspires innovation and carries entire sectors forward. And nowhere is that more evident than in the relationship between River Advice and its partners.

Last week we explored the operational backbone behind this partnership in our article on safety and smart compliance. But as always, it’s the people behind the process that give it meaning. Today we hear from two of them.

Two Voices, One Vision

Meet Christoph Pöschl , a long-time leader who’s helped build River Advice from the inside. And Arthur Bont , a recent leadership addition whose outside-in view adds momentum to what’s already in motion. Their perspectives, - seasoned and fresh, offer a glimpse into what it means to lead with both experience and openness.

Christoph Pöschl - Vice President, River Advice

Christoph, with over a decade of River Advice experience, how would you describe the biggest changes you’ve seen in inland cruise operations over time?

Over the past decade, the most significant changes I’ve seen in inland cruise operations come from three areas: guest expectations, technology and sustainability.

Travelers today want more than just a comfortable cabin and scenic views - they’re looking for curated, authentic experiences both on and off the ship, which has driven tour operators to refine itineraries, enhance onboard services and deepen partnerships with local destinations.

Technology has also transformed operations, from advanced navigation and safety systems to digital platforms that streamline guest communication and service delivery. This has improved efficiency, but more importantly, it has raised the standard for personalized, seamless travel.

Finally, there has been a decisive shift toward sustainability. Environmental regulations and passenger awareness have pushed us to invest in greener vessels, energy-efficient operations and responsible waste management. What started as compliance has evolved into a core part of the value we deliver.

Overall, inland cruising has become more guest-centric, more technologically sophisticated and more environmentally responsible.

From your experience, what’s the most effective way to deal with complex regulations while keeping operations smooth and safe?

The most effective way is to build a proactive compliance culture rather than treating regulations as a box-ticking exercise.

That starts with maintaining close relationships with regulators and industry bodies. Clear internal processes and continuous crew training are equally important, when everyone knows not just what the rules are but why they exist, compliance becomes second nature.

We also rely on structured risk management and digital tools that allow us to track, document and audit compliance seamlessly. It’s smoother and safer when regulations are part of the design, not an afterthought.

Partnerships play a big role at River Advice. Can you share an example where a strong partnership really helped improve safety, efficiency or the way we work?

One example that stands out is our collaboration with local port authorities along the Rhine and Danube. We’ve streamlined docking procedures, improved traffic coordination and shared real-time river conditions. It’s enhanced safety and reduced waiting times.

Another example: working with technical service providers has allowed us to implement preventive maintenance programs and safety technologies faster. These partnerships don’t just meet standards - they set them.

Looking ahead, what should River Advice focus on to stay strong and support the inland cruise industry in the future?

Three things:

Sustainability - investing in energy efficiency, alternative fuels and waste management.

Digital innovation - smarter fleet systems and personalised guest tools.

People - training, wellbeing and deep partnerships.

Our future lies in leading on sustainability, embracing innovation and empowering people to deliver memorable journeys.

Arthur Bont - Vice President, River Advice

Arthur, having recently joined River Advice, what were your first impressions of how the company handles operational complexity?

I’m very impressed with the company’s professionalism.

We have our own training centre to prepare future nautical personnel. We can also provide kitchen and hospitality training, first aid, fire prevention and more. Our certified hygiene department ensures continuous onboard monitoring and our partnership with Nautilus guarantees fair employment conditions.

Investments in docking places and in-house capabilities make us unique. River Advice is a pioneer in many areas.

With your background, how do you envision enhancing River Advice’s strategic position as the bridge between safety, sustainability and cruise experience?

My focus is the hotel department - creating a safe environment for crew, ensuring they feel at home and training them to grow. When the crew feels good, guests have a better experience. We train teams to reduce waste, manage materials and separate waste properly. That contributes to self-esteem and a better overall atmosphere.

Are there innovative practices from other industries you believe could elevate how we approach partnerships, compliance or training in the inland cruise sector?

We should explore technical tools to simplify processes and ease the crew’s workload. Ocean vessels use extensive technology - we can adopt some of that. It’s worth studying what’s feasible for smaller vessels.

What opportunities do you see for deeper synergy within UNITED WATERWAYS?

There’s still huge synergy potential. We can expand services - for example, offering city tours on KD ships. Our greatest strength is flexibility. As a white-label provider, clients determine the product; we implement and support. That’s a unique concept.

In Conclusion

From regulation to reputation, from training to trust - what binds it all together is partnership. Not as a buzzword, but as a lived, long-term collaboration between brands, people and purpose.

In Christoph and Arthur, we see how legacy and momentum can coexist. And in River Advice, we see how operational excellence becomes possible when supported by depth, clarity and unwavering commitment. Their message is clear: success isn’t built on systems alone. It’s built on the people who sustain them.

And at UNITED WATERWAYS , we’re proud to say:

These are our people!