It is anticipated that political and economic changes at present underway in a number of European countries will lead to increased trade and consequent use of the inland waterway system. A number of problems exist however and these are discussed with reference to the route between East and West Europe via the Danube, the Danube-Main Canal, the Main and the Rhine. Differences are described between Eastern and Western European systems in terms of development of fleets, economic systems and transport policies. Problems connected with transit and frontier crossings are described. The need for a UN committee is identified to establish principles for the regulation of matters concerning international navigation. Details are given of specifications developed for the Danube and the modernisation programmes planned. Transport operations on the Danube are described including combined transport. Obstacles to navigation are examined including infrastructure capacity and environmental considerations. Recommendations for the control of pollution are outlined. The advantages of inland waterway transport are listed and its usefulness in combination with other modes emphasised.
Abstract