Inland waterways remain an underutilized element of Poland’s transport network. In a spatial (geographical) aspect, they are perceived only in the context of the two main arteries, the Vistula and the Oder, with practically no consideration given to the others. The European Union’s transport policy, which mandates the correlation of the course and navigability of inland waterways with the concept of transport corridors, favors linking them with projects implemented in all phases of crisis response.
This paper will analyze the possibilities of using inland transport in the context of crisis response. A spatial map of Poland will be defined, along with the characteristics of inland vessels that can be used during such operations.
The effectiveness of mitigating the effects of crisis situations depends, among other things, on the quality of the resources used. Undoubtedly, inland navigation is a tool that significantly accelerates the processes associated with this, especially in the event of failure or destruction of road and rail transport infrastructure, when the alternative remains very expensive air transport or cheap and efficient inland waterways.
In this regard, the following issues should be considered:
- territorial reach of inland waterway transport;
- possibilities of transporting people and equipment in the context of inland waterways.
This article will analyze the specified issues in relation to inland shipping routes in Poland and national shipowners, i.e., the floating stock that can be used within the territory of the Republic of Poland. Inland navigation is one of the most dynamically developing branches of transport. (…)
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Source: Logistyka Magazine 5/2011