Trends in the development of inland waterways of the Slovak Republic

Due to the long-term unfavorable development of the parameters of the water transport sector, insufficient parameters of the infrastructure, it is unlikely that demand for water transport services will be spontaneously created by the corporate sector. In addition, if the infrastructure of the Slovak waterways is currently insufficient. The COVID 19 pandemic has paradoxically brought an opportunity for water transport, which represents a competitive alternative for other modes of transport, especially rail and road transport. However, it is necessary to ensure adequate infrastructure from the state, which is essential for the functioning of water transport. Currently, commercial shipping is carried out exclusively on the Danube River. Váh Waterway is currently not used for commercial shipping. Freight navigation on the Bodrog River has slowed down, currently only passenger ship cruises are carried out here. The major problem that prevents the development of water transport in Slovakia is the current state of the infrastructure of waterways. It is necessary to take measures to start commercial navigation on the Váh Waterway as well as to revitalize the Bodrog River, so that it uses the potential that this river has in the region.