Costs and transport technologies on the Oder Waterway

This article presents an analysis of inland transport costs on the Oder Waterway (ODW). The analysis was based on data from a shipowner. Costs for the integrated system and the classic pushed system were analyzed. Although the integrated system is the opposite of the pushed system, it shows slightly higher efficiency than the classic one. The fleet leasing system is the primary factor in the superiority of the integrated system over the classic pushed system. Unit costs depend on the degree of utilization of the fleet’s draft and the length of the route on which cargo transport is carried out.

To ensure transport profitability, the fleet should be maximally adapted to the existing navigational conditions on the waterway. Sailing speed has a significant impact on the amount of costs generated. This is closely related to fuel consumption.

Inland transport is considered a system characterized by the lowest costs per ton of cargo or per unit of transport work. This does not mean there is no search for new solutions to minimize costs. The essential cost components are personnel costs, consumables, depreciation, and repairs. The shares of individual components change depending on fuel costs and the level of crew wages. A significant factor affecting costs is also the hydrotechnical conditions on the waterway. Waterway parameters determine the size of the fleet, as well as operational parameters such as draft and sailing speed. Given established external conditions, an element affecting costs is the transport organization system. The organization system is largely dependent on the type of fleet.

In Poland, the dominant type of fleet is pushed convoys. The cargo capacity of motor barges in the entire fleet in Poland does not exceed 20%. The pushed system is characterized by several significant advantages over motor barges. These advantages are:

• a more favorable ratio of required power per ton of cargo capacity,
• lower personnel costs,
• effective use of the pusher – it does not waste time necessary for loading and unloading.

These advantages can be fully utilized in the transport of goods in strictly defined relations, with their supply in round-trip voyages. The fundamental essence of the pushing system is the fact that the pusher does not wait for the loading or unloading of barges. (…)

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