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level of maturity: the age of the vessels is in the average
range (level 3), the navigation equipment is at a high
level (4) and the fleet structure is relatively adapted to
needs (4). Staffing is average (3), reflecting the lack of
intensive investment in professional development in
the sector. The infrastructure in France is extensive but
not fully modern. Financing is rated at level 3 – it
allows the maintenance of the network but does not
support extensive modernisation. Both the linear and
point infrastructure are rated at level 3. The
maintenance strategy is planned but not systematic (3).
The operational system shows maturity in the
regulatory and procedural areas (4), with well-
established regulations and functioning services (3).
The flow of information remains limited (2), with slow
digitalisation and a dispersed management structure.
The inland navigation system in Germany is one of
the most developed and integrated in Europe. It covers
approx. 7,300 km of navigable waterways, with a
strong emphasis on freight transport along the Rhine,
Elbe or Dortmund-Ems Canal. The German fleet
presents a high level of modernity: the units are
relatively young (4), perfectly equipped with
navigation systems (4), adequate in numbers (4) and
the staff is highly qualified (4). The infrastructure is
supported by strong, stable financing (4), enabling not
only current maintenance, but also modernisation of
waterways and hydrotechnical facilities. The linear
and point infrastructure was assessed at level 4 – a
dense network and good connections to land ports are
the hallmarks of the system. The maintenance strategy
also operates at a high level (4), with increasing use of
predictive systems. The operating system is coherent
and integrated. The safety services, legal framework
and procedures reach level 4, ensuring operational
stability. The flow of information is well developed (4),
with extensive use of RIS systems, reporting platforms
and electronic traffic management.
Hungary's inland navigation system is mainly
based on the Danube, which is a key transport route for
the country. However, its use does not reach the
potential similar to Germany or Austria. The fleet is
quite outdated - most units are over 15 years old (level
2). However, the navigation equipment is relatively
advanced (4), which indicates partial technological
modernization. The number of units and types of fleet
partially correspond to market needs (3), but the
competences of the crews are limited (2), which may be
due to the lack of systemic support for training. The
infrastructure is at a lower level of maturity. Financing
was rated the lowest (1), which significantly limits the
possibilities for modernization. The linear, point and
maintenance infrastructure was rated at level 3 - basic
functionality is provided, but without development
reserve. The operational system reaches an average
level: services, regulations and procedures are rated at
level 3, which suggests compliance with international
requirements, but without excessive flexibility. The
flow of information is also at level 3 – reporting
systems are in place, but their integration and
availability are limited.
The inland navigation system in Luxembourg,
despite the small size of the country, is functionally
integrated with the Rhine system and the European
network (TEN-T). The fleet achieves good parameters:
the average age of the units (3) is not particularly low,
but the navigation equipment is advanced (4), and the
number and type of units are adapted to the needs (4).
The highest ratings were given to the competence and
availability of the crews (5), which reflects the high
standard of service and operational efficiency. The
country's infrastructure is of a supporting nature, not
independent - it mainly serves a transit function.
Financing and the infrastructure network were rated at
level 3 - they ensure efficient operation, although
without a large scale of investment. The maintenance
strategy is planned and effective (3). The operational
system achieves a high level. The operation of services,
compliance with regulations and procedures operate at
level 4-5, indicating adaptation to European standards.
The flow of information within the system was rated at
level 3 - the system operates efficiently, although it
does not achieve full digital integration as in the
Netherlands.
The Netherlands is the undisputed leader of
European inland navigation. The system is highly
developed, fully integrated with national and
international logistics. The fleet presents the highest
level in all categories: very young (5), fully equipped
with advanced technologies (5), numerically and
typically adapted to the market (5), and the staff is
highly qualified (5). The infrastructure in the
Netherlands is a model example of sustainable and
modern management. Both the linear and point
networks were rated at level 5. Financing is stable and
high, which allows for the implementation of strategic
and adaptive projects. The maintenance strategy is
comprehensive and predictive (5), using monitoring
systems and data analytics. The operational system is
characterized by the highest level of integration. The
services operate efficiently (5), and the procedures are
standardized and transparent (4). The flow of
information (5) is fully digital - the Netherlands was
the first to implement advanced RIS systems, and
cooperation between the administration and operators
is an example of good practice at EU level.
The Polish inland navigation system has great
potential, but remains one of the least developed in
Europe. Despite the existence of several major
navigable rivers (Oder, Vistula), their actual
availability and technical quality are limited. The fleet
is clearly outdated (1), equipped with basic
technologies (3), and the number of units does not
correspond to the real demand (3). Technical and
operational staff remains unevenly available (2) (there
are many specialists working outside Polish system).
The infrastructure was assessed low: financing is
limited and irregular (2), which translates into the
fragmentation of the linear and point network (2). The
maintenance strategy is planned, but not based on the
analysis of the technical condition - level 2 reflects the
lack of predictive implementation and low repair
efficiency. The operational system is at a medium level
of maturity. Regulations are partially compliant with
EU standards (3), but require adaptation to practice.
Management procedures were assessed at level 3 - they
are present, but not always applied. The flow of
information (2) remains limited, with a lack of digital
solutions in key links of the system.
Romania has a large shipping potential linked to the
Lower Danube and the port of Constanta, but the use
of this infrastructure is still limited. The Romanian fleet
is outdated – most of the vessels are over 20 years old
(1), poorly equipped with navigation systems (2), the