The Maturity Model as a Tool for Assessing Transportation Systems on the Example of Inland Navigation

Emilia Teresa Skupień ()
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Emilia Teresa Skupień: Department of Operation and Maintenance, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 4, 1-16

Abstract: The development of inland waterway transport systems is crucial to achieving sustainable transportation by reducing environmental impact, improving safety, and supporting economic efficiency. However, the varying geographic, climatic, and infrastructure conditions between regions make it challenging to evaluate and compare these systems. This study aims to address this gap by proposing a maturity model for assessing transport systems using the example of inland navigation, designed to evaluate and benchmark transportation systems based on key parameters such as fleet characteristics, infrastructure, and management processes. The proposed model identifies five maturity levels, ranging from basic to advanced functionality. Using this model, the Polish inland waterway transport system was analyzed as a case study to assess its current maturity and identify areas for development. The results indicate that while the Polish system demonstrates strengths in certain aspects, such as the coherence of its linear infrastructure, there are significant gaps in fleet modernization and the integration of advanced technologies. This study highlights the potential of the maturity model as a strategic tool for planning and decision-making in the inland waterway transport sector. Future work will focus on refining the model to enhance its applicability and comprehensiveness.

Keywords: transport system; inland navigation; inland navigation assessment; maturity model; sustainable transportation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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