The competitiveness of inland shipping in serving the hinterland of the seaports : a case study of the Oder Waterway and the Szczecin-Świnoujście port complex
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The aim of this article is to verify the existing knowledge in the area of competitiveness factors of hinterland modes of transport in land-sea transport chains. In order to fulfill the primary objectives of the article, a case study of the Oder Waterway and Szczecin-Świnoujście port complex was applied. The verification of competitiveness factors of inland shipping in serving seaports hinterland was made on the basis of in-depth interviews among shippers who represented the most important exporters and importers using sea transport, and whose premises were located in the areas that gravitate towards inland waterway transport. The study provided evidence that the most important factor is to assure reliability of delivery. It is the necessary condition for a modal shift between competitive transport branches. Lower transport costs without the certainty of delivery on time will not convince shippers to a modal shift.