Search Results (32)

Inland waterway transport (IWT) is a key function of river systems worldwide. It is vulnerable to climate change, specifically to discharge extremes, and competes for water with multiple other functions. A clear framework describing its interests to inform decision-making during regular conditions as well as during climate extremes is as yet unavailable in the literature. To address this gap we examine how inland shipping is taken into account in waterway policies in the Netherlands. We apply the frame of reference method to ‘objectify’ current inland waterway transport (IWT) policies, addressing the themes of waterway capacity, safety, service level, and sustainability. By ‘objectifying’ we mean turning the implicit into an explicit ‘object’ of study on the one hand and revealing underlying ‘objectives’ on the other. We show that policies for waterway capacity and service level are well developed, while waterway safety policies are more implicit, and waterway resilience lacks a quantitative decision framework. We furthermore show that current policies mainly focus on regular conditions, leaving it unclear what changes under extreme river discharge conditions. The results provide important insights into shipping-related decision challenges during climate extremes, highlighting aspects that should be developed further to improve the climate resilience of inland shipping. While some of these implications are specific to the Dutch case, the method applied here can also be used for other river systems that support multiple functions. Full article

Serving as critical sustainable transportation infrastructure, inland waterways provide dual socioeconomic and ecological value by (1) facilitating high-efficiency freight logistics through cost-effective bulk cargo transport while stimulating regional economic growth, and (2) delivering essential ecosystem services including flood regulation, water resource preservation, and biodiversity conservation. This study establishes a stakeholder-centered risk assessment framework to enhance decision-making of waterway engineering projects and promote the sustainable development of Inland Waterway Transport. We propose a three-layer approach: (1) identifying key stakeholders in the decision-making stage of waterway engineering projects through multi-dimensional criteria; (2) listing and classifying decision-making risks from the perspectives of managers, users, and other stakeholders; (3) applying the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) to prioritize key risks and proposing a risk assessment model based on fuzzy reasoning theory to evaluate decision-making risks under uncertain conditions. This framework was applied to the Yangtze River Trunk Line Wuhan–Anqing Waterway Regulation Project. The results show that the risk ranking is managers, users, and other stakeholders, among which the risk of engineering freight demand is particularly prominent. This suggests that we need to pay attention to optimizing material transportation and operational organization, promote the development of large-scale ships, and realize the diversification of ship types and transportation organizations. This study combines fuzzy reasoning with stakeholder theory, providing a replicable tool for the Waterway Management Authority to address the complex sustainability challenges in global waterway development projects. Full article

Maritime safety is a critical concern for the transport sector and remains a key challenge for the international shipping industry. Recognizing that maritime accidents pose significant risks to both safety and operational efficiency, this study explores the application of big data analysis techniques to understand the factors influencing maritime transport accidents (MTA). Specifically, using extensive datasets derived from vessel performance measurements, environmental conditions, and accident reports, it seeks to identify the key intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to maritime accidents. The research examines more than 90 thousand incidents for the period 2014–2022. Leveraging big data analytics and advanced statistical techniques, the findings reveal significant correlations between vessel size, speed, and specific environmental factors. Furthermore, the study highlights the potential of big data analytics in enhancing predictive modeling, real-time risk assessment, and decision-making processes for maritime traffic management. The integration of big data with intelligent transportation systems (ITSs) can optimize safety strategies, improve accident prevention mechanisms, and enhance the resilience of ocean-going transportation systems. By bridging the gap between big data applications and maritime safety research, this work contributes to the literature by emphasizing the importance of examining both intrinsic and extrinsic factors in predicting maritime accident risks. Additionally, it underscores the transformative role of big data in shaping safer and more efficient waterway transportation systems. Full article

Inland waterway transport faces increasing recognition as a sustainable alternative to conventional transport modes, particularly due to its lower environmental impact and higher efficiency. However, its implementation remains limited in many regions, including Romania, despite substantial potential benefits. This study addresses this gap by assessing the Bucharest–Danube Canal as a strategic infrastructure project capable of supporting Romania’s transition to sustainable transport, aligned with the European Green Deal and the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Employing a structured methodological approach, this research includes a comprehensive literature review and detailed analysis of successful European inland waterway transport projects, systematically correlating findings with specific Sustainable Development Goals. The results illustrate clear relationships between the selected case studies and the targeted goals, highlighting approaches for integrating sustainability into waterway infrastructure. Specifically, the study identifies effective guidelines applicable to Romania and emphasizes the necessity of a comprehensive, multi-dimensional planning approach that exploits the canal’s multifunctional capabilities beyond transportation, encompassing agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, and biodiversity conservation. In conclusion, despite historical and current challenges, the Bucharest–Danube Canal represents a strategic opportunity for Romania, promising significant contributions toward achieving national and regional sustainability objectives. Full article

The development of inland waterway transport systems is crucial to achieving sustainable transportation by reducing environmental impact, improving safety, and supporting economic efficiency. However, the varying geographic, climatic, and infrastructure conditions between regions make it challenging to evaluate and compare these systems. This study aims to address this gap by proposing a maturity model for assessing transport systems using the example of inland navigation, designed to evaluate and benchmark transportation systems based on key parameters such as fleet characteristics, infrastructure, and management processes. The proposed model identifies five maturity levels, ranging from basic to advanced functionality. Using this model, the Polish inland waterway transport system was analyzed as a case study to assess its current maturity and identify areas for development. The results indicate that while the Polish system demonstrates strengths in certain aspects, such as the coherence of its linear infrastructure, there are significant gaps in fleet modernization and the integration of advanced technologies. This study highlights the potential of the maturity model as a strategic tool for planning and decision-making in the inland waterway transport sector. Future work will focus on refining the model to enhance its applicability and comprehensiveness. Full article

Plastic pollution in waterways poses a significant global challenge, largely stemming from land-based sources and subsequently transported by rivers to marine environments. With a substantial percentage of marine plastic waste originating from land-based sources, comprehending the trajectory and temporal experience of single-use plastic bottles assumes paramount importance. This project designed, developed, and released a plastic pollution tracking device, coinciding with Vietnam’s annual Plastic Awareness Month. By mapping the plastic tracker’s journey through the Saigon River, this study generated high-fidelity data for comprehensive analysis and bolstered public awareness through regular updates on the Re-Think Plastics Vietnam website. The device, equipped with technologies such as drone flight controller, open-source software, embedded computing, and cellular networking effectively captured GPS position, track, and localized conditions experienced by the plastic bottle tracker on its journey. This amalgamation of data contributes to the understanding of plastic pollution behaviors and serves as a data set for future initiatives aimed at plastic prevention in the ecologically sensitive Mekong Delta. By illuminating the transportation of single-use plastic bottles in the riparian waterways of Ho Chi Minh City and beyond, this study plays a role in collective efforts to understand plastic pollution and preserve aquatic ecosystems. By deploying a GPS-enabled plastic tracker, this study provides novel, high-resolution empirical data on plastic transport in urban tidal systems. These findings contribute to improving waste interception strategies and informing environmental policies aimed at reducing plastic accumulation in critical retention zones. Full article

With the vast majority of global trade volume and value reliant on maritime transport, accurate prediction of vessel estimated time of arrival (ETA) is crucial for optimizing supply chain efficiency and managing logistical complexities in port operations. This review paper systematically examines the current state of research and practices in the field of vessel ETA prediction, highlighting significant trends, methodologies, and technologies. It explores various approaches, including classical methods, machine learning and deep learning algorithms, and hybrid methods, developed to enhance the accuracy and reliability of vessel travel time and arrival time predictions. Additionally, this paper categorizes key influencing factors and metrics, and identifies open issues and challenges within current prediction models. Concluding with proposed future research directions aimed at addressing the identified gaps and leveraging technological advancements, this review emphasizes the importance of fostering innovation in maritime ETA prediction systems, particularly within the framework of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSs) and maritime logistics. By applying a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology and conducting an in-depth evaluation, the results provide a comprehensive overview of vessel ETA prediction for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers involved in maritime transport and logistics, and offer insights into the potential for improved efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability in waterway networks. Full article

The waterway transportation industry, recognized for its high capacity, cost-effectiveness, and energy efficiency, plays a vital role in global freight transport and trade. In China, it serves as a key pillar supporting the national economy and foreign trade. However, its heavy dependence on fossil fuels has intensified carbon emission challenges, creating significant barriers to achieving sustainable development goals. This study employs Input-Output Analysis and the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index model to examine the changes in carbon emissions and their driving factors in China’s waterway transportation industry from 2002 to 2020, while also exploring potential pathways for emission reduction. The findings reveal the following: (1) From 2002 to 2020, despite a substantial rise in total carbon emissions, the industry has been progressively transitioning towards a low-carbon trajectory through the adoption of clean energy technologies and optimization of its energy structure. (2) Economic scale effects have been the primary drivers of carbon emission growth, with population-scale effects playing a lesser role. Since 2011, the implementation of green technologies and low-carbon management strategies has effectively stabilized emission growth rates. (3) Improvements in energy carbon intensity and transportation energy intensity have significantly reduced carbon emissions. Moreover, the promotion of clean energy technologies and energy-saving measures has substantially lowered the industry’s carbon emission intensity. Full article

Inland water transportation is regarded as a crucial component of global trade, yet its reliability has been increasingly challenged by uncertainties such as extreme weather, port congestion, and geopolitical tensions. Although substantial research has focused on the structural characteristics of inland water transportation networks, the dynamic responses of these networks to disruptions remain insufficiently explored. This gap in understanding is critical for enhancing the resilience of global transportation systems as trade volumes grow and risks intensify. In this study, percolation theory was applied to evaluate the reliability of the Yangtze River transportation network. Ship voyage data from 2019 were used to construct a complex network model, and simulations of node removal were performed to identify key vulnerabilities within the network. The results showed that the failure of specific nodes significantly impacts the network’s connectivity, suggesting which nodes should be prioritized for protection. This research offers a dynamic framework for the assessment of inland water transportation network reliability and provides new insights that could guide policy decisions to improve the resilience of critical waterway systems. By identifying potential points of failure, this study contributes to the development of a more robust global trade infrastructure. Full article

Researchers are increasingly turning to roadway traffic flow theory to propose effective solutions for challenges such as traffic congestion and low efficiency in waterway transportation. However, since roadway traffic flow theory was originally developed for highway transportation, its direct application to waterways raises questions due to the inherent differences between the two modes of transportation. Meanwhile, research results and methodologies from other transportation modes can provide valuable insights for studying waterway traffic flow theory. Addressing these questions is essential for advancing research in this field. This research conducts a comparative analysis to explore the similarities and differences between typical transportation modes and waterway transportation, examining how these distinctions affect the application of existing traffic flow theories. It also categorizes recent research outcomes related to traffic flow theories from various transportation modes based on their relevance to waterway traffic flow theory. The discussion includes the applicability of these models and methods in the context of waterway transportation, considering the unique characteristics of waterway traffic. Finally, this study highlights current challenges in applying traffic flow theories to waterways and offers suggestions for future research. Full article

This study explores the potential of inland navigation as a key component of Poland’s sustainable transportation strategy, focusing on the Opole–Szczecin route. It emphasizes inland waterways as an eco-friendly and efficient alternative to road and rail transport, potentially revitalizing local economies and reducing dependency on more traditional transport modes. The use of the River Information Service (RIS) system is highlighted as to its role in enhancing the logistical efficiency and safety of inland water transport. The research includes a comparative analysis of cargo transport on the Opole–Szczecin route, using road, rail, and inland-waterway options, revealing the advantages of inland-waterway transport in terms of cost-effectiveness and environmental impact. Finally, the paper discusses the challenges and opportunities for the development of inland navigation in Poland, advocating for greater integration with other transport branches through innovative technologies like RIS. Full article

The Brazilian Amazon has one of the largest river networks in the world, connecting riverine communities, many of which have no roadways. The use of high-speed vessels, including those that are locally made, is necessary for the transportation of people to perform their day-to-day activities. However, regional news and social media data have shown that these vessels are involved in accidents. This work describes some of the key challenges to improving the sustainability and safety of regional high-speed vessels. Field research was performed in the state of Amazonas to document regional vessels and provide graphic evidence of the possible risk factors that could cause accidents as the path to prevent them. Some risk mitigation alternatives were discussed. Cameras and a drone were used to capture information either from the shore or from small boats. The main challenges are related to the adequate management of seasonal changes in river depths; wave and wind behavior; wave wash effects; the interaction of vessels with rocks, sand banks, mud, and vegetation; embarkation and disembarkation activities; the monitoring and regulation of safety requirements and dangerous operations; and the slowness in implementing technological advances that would improve vessels’ safety. It is hoped that the work in this paper will contribute to improving the sustainability of marine activities in the Amazon and similar regions worldwide. Full article

This paper examines the critical role of Polish local ports, particularly those on the Central Baltic coast, in the development of offshore wind farms. The study investigates how offshore wind energy development affects local port infrastructure, logistics, and the broader maritime economy while identifying opportunities and challenges arising from their integration into the offshore wind supply chain. To achieve this, a comprehensive methodological approach was employed, combining qualitive and quantitative analyses. The research utilized statistical data, policy documents, and spatial development plans to evaluate the current state of offshore wind energy projects in Poland. A specific focus was placed on assessing the infrastructure capabilities of local ports, including Kołobrzeg, Darłowo, Ustka, and Łeba, to serve as service hubs for offshore wind farm operations. Criteria such as waterway depth, quay length, storage facilities, and connectivity to transportation networks were analyzed in detail. Additionally, the study highlights the socio-economic benefits these ports can bring to the regions, such as job creation, economic revitalization, and enhanced regional competitiveness. The findings reveal that while these ports possess significant potential, strategic investments and modernization are essential to fully realize their role in supporting offshore wind energy. Recommendations are provided for policymakers, port authorities, and stakeholders to optimize the port’s development as part of Poland’s transition to renewable energy. This study contributes to broader discourse on renewable energy and maritime economic development, offering valuable insights into integrating small port infrastructure into large-scale energy projects. Full article

China’s coal industry has long faced challenges due to imbalance between supply and demand divisions and the discrepancies between supply and demand prices. Research on optimizing coal transfer amid fluctuating coal prices is crucial for enhancing coal resource allocation, ensuring a balanced and stable supply of coal resources, and promoting the sustainable development of the coal industry. This paper focuses on optimizing coal transfer schemes within a comprehensive transportation system, considering fixed transportation routes and opening times of railroad transportation and waterway transportation, with road transportation serving as a supplementary network. A three-dimensional spatio-temporal network model is established to represent the spatial and temporal paths and transportation modes of coal logistics. The study uses the coal transportation network from Inner Mongolia and Shaanxi to East China as a case study, analyzing factors such as coal price fluctuation, transportation rates, and the ratio of self-produced to purchased coal at the production end via sensitivity analysis. The findings indicate that the proposed model can effectively guide transportation practices under the integrated production, transportation, and sales framework in the energy industry. Additionally, it shows that enterprises can achieve higher profits and maintain revenue and supply stability despite coal price fluctuations, aligning with the coal industry’s transformation and development in the current context. Full article

Using Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to monitor the condition of nodal transportation assets—airports, seaports, heliports, vertiports, and cargo terminals—presents a transformative approach to traditional inspection methods. The focus on nodal assets rather than linear assets like roads, railways, bridges, and waterways fills a gap in addressing the dynamic challenges specific to transportation hubs. This study reviews scholarly literature on applying UAV-based remote sensing (URS) techniques to assess the condition of various transportation hubs, which are critical junctures in global logistics networks. Utilizing a systematic literature review framework, this study reviewed 486 publications from 2015 to 2023 to extract insights from the evolving discourse on URS applications. The findings suggest that these emerging methods resulted in substantial enhancements in time saving, cost efficiency, safety, and reliability. Specifically, this study presents evidence on how URS approaches can overcome the constraints of conventional inspection methods by enabling rapid, high-precision mapping and surveillance in complex and constrained environments. The findings highlight the role of UAVs in enhancing operational workflows and decision making in transportation planning and maintenance. By bridging the gap between traditional practices and innovative technology, this research offers significant implications for stakeholders in the field, advocating for a shift towards more dynamic, cost-effective, and precise asset management strategies. Full article