Problems of effective functioning of the Unified deep-water system of the European part of Russia

Abstract

The unique geographic location of the European part of Russia, which determines its transit potential, presents significant opportunities for the effective development of the transport complex, since it is here that a kind of international transport crossroads of two corridors: "East-West" and "North-South" is located. For inland water transport, the North-South International Transport Corridor (ITC) is of the greatest interest, through which trade is carried out between European countries and Iran, Pakistan, and Iraq. In addition, it is predicted to attract cargo flows from the countries of the Middle East and India. At the same time, the volume of trade between countries within the North-South corridor in 2019 reached more than 200 thousand in twenty-foot equivalent (TEU). According to forecasts for 2035, it can grow to 400,000 TEUs. Part of the cargo traffic can go through Russia in transit from the Caspian Sea to Europe in river-sea vessels. At the same time, the current state of the key artery of the European part of Russia - the Volga River does not provide regular movement of such due to the lack of depths of the ship's passage, which has a negative impact on the economy of transportation and the competitiveness of inland water transport. As a result, the cargo flows traditional for river transport go to road and rail transport. At the same time, studies of recent years indicate that auto and railway lines located parallel to inland waterways are overloaded. As a result, we have an increase in emissions of harmful gases into the atmosphere, an increase in the share of logistics costs in the cost of transportation, and an increase in the cost of maintaining and repairing roads.