The Concept of Transport Organization Model in Container Logistics Chains Using Inland Waterway Transport

Abstract

The growth of container trade at sea and inland ports has necessitated a better integration of water and land transport, which entails the need to expand the hinterland and accessibility from the land side. The infrastructure investment projects completed so far, aimed at improving the efficiency of transport in the hinterland, are the basis for creating new container logistics chains. In many ports of the European Union, the potential of inland waterway transport has been exploited for a long time as an integral component of sustainable transport. In the long run, it will not be possible to efficiently meet the growing demand for container transport in Europe by using only road and rail transport. Therefore, it is important to seek carriage capabilities in environment-friendly modes of transport. Looking into the case of the river-seaport of Szczecin, this author presents a concept of transport organization model involving inland waterway transport in container-based logistics chains. The analysis of the conditions for the functioning of such chains may provide a basis for developing directions to continue to develop the sea and inland ports in Poland.