Odrzańska waterway: key to the future of inland water transport in Poland

Amid rising climate challenges and the push for sustainable transport solutions, Poland is betting on the modernisation and development of inland waterway transport. At the heart of these efforts lies the Odrzańska Waterway (ODW), poised to become one of the country’s most vital transport corridors, linking seaports with inland regions and integrating into Europe’s waterway network. The Ministry of Infrastructure’s plans, outlined in the National Inland Navigation Programme to 2030, shed new light on the potential of this long-overlooked sector.

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04 april 2025 | 07:13 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

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A roadmap for the future: National Inland Navigation Programme

The National Inland Navigation Programme to 2030 stands as the sole binding planning document for Poland’s inland navigation sector. It sets ambitious goals: advancing inland waterway transport, integrating it into the intermodal transport network, and enhancing access to seaports like Szczecin and Świnoujście. Far from a mere statement of intent, this programme offers a concrete action plan to transform Poland’s inland waterways. Key priorities include maintaining navigable conditions on waterways supporting seaport hinterlands and upgrading existing hydrotechnical infrastructure.

- The Ministry of Infrastructure’s plans for inland water transport focus primarily on ensuring the efficient operation of inland waterways through maintenance and modernisation efforts targeting existing infrastructure, says Anna Szumańska, spokesperson for the Ministry of Infrastructure, in an interview with Daily Mare. - The programme underscores the need to keep existing hydrotechnical structures and facilities in proper condition.

Investments on the Odra: modernisation and reconstruction

The coming years will see a series of investments aimed at restoring the Odra River’s transport prominence. By 2030, key hydrotechnical assets—such as locks and control rooms at the Opole and Ujście Nysy water stages—are slated for modernisation, with a flap weir to be added at the latter. The Gliwice Canal is also due for revitalisation, covering its navigable route and bank reinforcements. Equally critical are efforts on the Border Odra and lower Vistula, where regulatory structures will be rebuilt. These projects aim to enhance navigation conditions and bolster flood protection. Funding will largely draw from EU resources under the 2021-2027 financial perspective, via the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, and Environment Programme.

- Investment activities planned through 2030 will target existing hydrotechnical structures in urgent need of revitalisation, explains Anna Szumańska in her discussion with Daily Mare. - These efforts will enable safe navigation for transport along the Szczecin–Gliwice route and positively impact the growth of international freight with the Federal Republic of Germany.

RIS: technology driving navigation

Modern inland transport isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s also about cutting-edge IT systems. A flagship initiative here is the full rollout of the River Information System (RIS) on the Odrzańska Waterway. Already operational along a 240-kilometre stretch of the Odra, RIS is set to expand, ensuring safer and more cost-effective navigation. This move towards digitalisation could attract new operators and boost traffic on Poland’s rivers.

- A critical task is expanding the IT system to enable safe and economically viable navigation, notes Anna Szumańska, highlighting technology’s role in enhancing sector competitiveness.

Green fleet and climate challenges

Inland navigation faces a dual challenge: reducing its environmental footprint while boosting capacity. The Ministry of Infrastructure recognises these imperatives and is planning measures to support fleet modernisation. Studies show that increasing vessel payload can significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions—a key factor given EU climate targets. At the same time, fleet upgrades aim to adapt to tougher hydrological conditions, like low water levels driven by climate change.

- These measures will support operators and inland shipyards by, among other things, modernising the inland fleet to low- and zero-emission standards, tailored to climate change, including operations in low-water conditions, elaborates Anna Szumańska in her Daily Mare interview.

Odra’s potential: 6 million tonnes annually

The Odrzańska Waterway is more than a local route—it’s a corridor of international significance. Linked to Europe’s waterway system via the Odra-Havela and Odra-Spree canals, its estuarine section is part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Yet, 2023 data from Poland’s Central Statistical Office reveals inland waterways moved just 1.69 million tonnes of cargo, mostly on the Odra. International transport accounted for 75.5% of this, with the Szczecin–Germany route dominating at 87.6% of inland waterway exports. These figures underscore the Odra’s untapped potential.

- The transport potential of the Odra, based on existing infrastructure, is estimated at around 6 million tonnes of cargo per year, Anna Szumańska emphasises.

Seaports and hinterland connectivity

Inland navigation’s growth directly impacts Poland’s seaports, particularly the Szczecin and Świnoujście Port Complex. Improving transport access along the Odra promises higher throughput and stronger ties to global markets.

- The implementation of specific investments on the ODW will enhance its transport utility across its full length, with a particular focus on improving access to the Szczecin and Świnoujście Port Complex, states Anna Szumańska.

Challenges and prospects

Poland’s inland navigation sector faces hurdles: modernising infrastructure, greening the fleet, and eliminating bottlenecks that restrict navigation. Yet, with EU-backed funding and a clear strategy, the Ministry of Infrastructure’s plans offer hope for a sector revival. The Odrzańska Waterway could evolve into not just a transport artery but a beacon of sustainability and innovation.

- These actions aim to rebuild degraded infrastructure, ensuring its technical condition supports navigation for transport and flood protection purposes, concludes Anna Szumańska.

Will Poland seize this opportunity? The answer will emerge over the next few years, but one thing is clear: inland navigation could play a pivotal role in the future of Polish transport. Time will tell if these bold plans translate into tangible progress on the nation’s rivers.

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