The development of the logistic function of river ports – based on the example of selected German logistics centers

The article discusses the basic attributes of inland waterway transport, its linear and point infrastructure. Special attention is paid to the functions of river ports. The main goal of the study is to indicate the importance of the location of a logistics center in an inland waterway port for the development of its range of logistics services and its logistic function.THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOGISTIC FUNCTION OF RIVER PORTS ON THE EXAMPLE OF SELECTED GERMAN LOGISTIC CENTERS
In the article are discussed the main attributes of inland shipping, their liner and point infrastructure. The important attention is given to the functions of river ports. The main goal of this paper is to present, how the building of logistic center in inland port can contribute to developing of the offer of logistic services and logistic function.
1. INLAND SHIPPING – BASIC ISSUES Inland shipping, against the background of other modes of transport, is distinguished by a number of features that outline the place and role it plays within complex transport chains. Among the basic attributes, one should mention the relatively long delivery time associated with the low operating speeds of the fleet (mainly barges).
Another feature of inland shipping is the irregularity of transport. This results from the significant influence of natural factors on navigation conditions and can even be associated with the temporary suspension of transport due to low water levels on navigable routes or their freezing in the winter period. In the case of inland shipping, the implementation of door-to-door transport can only take place in specific cases. Such a solution requires the location of the production plant or the sender’s and recipient’s factory in a port or their possession of their own transshipment quays, which is not a common situation. There are groups of cargo characteristic of inland shipping – transported on the same routes (these are building materials or coal from mines to power plants). (…)

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