The Maturity of Inland Waterway Transport Systems in Europe

The development of inland navigation is an important component of sustainable transport in Europe. Its use contributes to reducing harmful emissions, improving transport safety, and increasing the economic efficiency of freight movement. However, the varying geographical, infrastructural, and institutional conditions make it difficult to assess navigation systems across countries in a consistent and comparable manner. This article aims to assess the maturity level of inland waterway transport systems in selected European countries using a five-level maturity model that considers factors related to fleet, infrastructure, and system operations. The study analyses systems operating in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as in Western Europe (primarily in the Rhine basin)—a total of 12 systems. The countries were grouped according to geographic location and the strategic role of inland navigation within national transport policies. The results reveal significant differences in maturity levels and, through benchmarking, identify development priorities for individual systems. The use of a coherent assessment model at the supranational level enables the identification of development gaps and investment priorities across different regions of Europe. This approach provides practical support for policy makers in the shaping of sustainable and integrated transport strategies across the continent.