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DANUBE RIVER PORTS: INFRASTRUCTURE, DEVELOPMENT, AND ROLE IN EUROPEAN INLAND WATERWAY TRANSPORT
Abstract
One of the most significant inland waterway corridors on the continent, the Danube River, spans 2,850 kilometers across ten European nations, serving as a vital link between Western and Eastern Europe. Its ports serve as key hubs for the movement of goods, energy resources, and passengers, linking inland navigation with rail, road, and maritime transport routes. This paper provides a comprehensive and detailed assessment of the entire Danube port network, combining geographical, economic, and operational perspectives. The study begins with a systematic mapping of the main ports and terminals along the river, analyzing their spatial distribution, available infrastructure. Differences between the upper, middle, and lower sections of the Danube are highlighted, revealing how local geography, waterway characteristics, and economic patterns determine port activity. Data on cargo flow, types of vessels encountered, and types of cargo handled are examined to identify trends and seasonal fluctuations. Apart from data on infrastructure and traffic, the paper highlights the increasingly important role of digitalization, automation, and sustainability initiatives in the Danube ports. The conclusions provide a comprehensive overview of the current situation and future potential of the Danube ports, supporting policy makers in prioritizing investments and improving the efficiency and competitiveness of inland navigation in this trans-European corridor.
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References14
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