Inland Navigation Centre
Bachelor diploma project
With the guidance of dr inż. arch. Roman Rutkowski
In the EU, many countries constantly try to benefit from the advantages of using inland navigation to transport products. For example, in the Netherlands, 47% of wares are hauled by rivers. In Germany, it is 10%. Boats are also popular in Bulgaria and Romania, where the percentage respectively exceeds 27% and 29%. The average contribution of inland navigation in transport adds up to 6,9% for the whole EU. A high percentage of 4th class rivers has a significant input for such figures. A well-developed waterway system allows
a comfortable journey and opens many new possibilities. More importantly, it helps in decreasing traffic on highways, which is vital for making our environment less polluted.
In Poland, the situation is much worse. In similar geographical conditions to countries such as Germany, only 0,3% of products are hauled by waterways. Almost all transport is based on trucks, which is one of the reasons for the terrible quality of air in our country. Analyzing the state of inland navigation in Poland, it is vital to focus on the waterway system, which is in poor condition. Moreover, the differences arising during the annexations are still visible and the last major modernizations were carried out after the First World War. During the PRL period, the rivers suffered from a lack of money for necessary repairs. For many years, Poland ignored the possibilities of inland navigation and turned away from the rivers.
Inland navigation is the cheapest way of transport inside continents and has a minimal influence on the environment. According to data, 1 litre of fuel allows an average boat to haul 127 tons of cargo for a distance of 1 kilometre. Comparing this to different vehicles it is respectively: 50 tons for trucks and 97 tons for trains. Low energy consumption contributes to decreasing the emission of air pollution. Inland navigation produces almost five times less carbon dioxide than trucks. Analyzing the data of the European Commission, the cost of transporting by boat stands at 5 euro for 1000 tkm and by truck - 24,12 euro for 1000 tkm. Additional advantages are low noise emitted from ferries and a low accident rate during travelling.
Poland in recent years signed two major documents: the White Paper of Transport and the AGN agreement. Because of that, we are obliged to increase the usage of boats in transport. Moreover, every international waterway in Poland should be modernised to class IV. On our territory, there are three waterways such as these: E30, E70, and E40. Road E30 flows through Oder Waterway System.
Analyzing the characteristics of inland navigation it is vital to learn about the importance of water locks. Observing the way they work and taking part in the process is an unforgetful experience. Because of that, the project focuses on giving people a chance to watch the changing water level and rising or lowering boats. In the end, it can help in arousing everyone’s interest in inland navigation.
The project consists of a group of hostels located in three water locks on the Oder Waterway System, which are: Bartoszowice in Wrocław, Zawada and Januszkowice. The hostels are spread over similar distances, offering a possibility to rest for travellers on the whole length of the canalised Oder Waterway System. Additionally, havens were planned in close vicinity to the locks in order to serve berthing boats. The boats can also attract people to visit the buildings. The educational and promotional function was projected in Bartoszowice lock, because of the special relation of the city with water.