The volume of inland waterways freight transport in Poland exhibited significant fluctuations from 2013 to 2023, peaking in 2015 at 2,190 million tonne-kilometers and then undergoing a general downward trend. In 2023, the volume stood at 476 million tonne-kilometers, reflecting a slight increase of 6.97% from the previous year. However, over the last five years, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) has been -9.45%, indicating an overall decline in this period. Year-by-year variations have shown volatile trends, notably with a substantial increase in 2015, followed by declines in subsequent years.
Looking forward from 2024 to 2028, the volume is forecasted to continue decreasing, with a CAGR of -2.71%, signifying a decelerated but persistent downward trend. By 2028, the projected volume is expected to be 401 million tonne-kilometers, translating to an overall decline of 12.83% over five years.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of infrastructure investments, governmental policies promoting green transport, and shifts in industrial demand. Improvements in port facilities and navigation technologies could potentially mitigate the decline, whereas regulatory changes or economic pressures may further influence the volume dynamics.
