30_Water transport

As the industry is minute in terms of the number of employees, it is difficult to draw general conclusions based on the projected trends. Water transport will remain a marginal industry without a major influence on the labour market.

The water transport industry in the CR has undergone a relatively complex development in recent years. Shipping conditions on Czech rivers have gradually deteriorated, particularly those on the most important river, the Elbe. The navigability of the Elbe has been at the worst levels in history - the section near the German border is the most problematic as it hinders the connection between Czech river transport and seaports. Water transport is therefore gradually decreasing in importance as compared with both road and rail transport. Although the Czech Republic has undertaken to improve the shipping conditions on Czech rivers, implementation of the relevant projects is being delayed. In view of the limited scope of work placement opportunities there is a decreasing interest in study programmes concerned with water transport on the part of potential students. The situation may improve over the long term, as the shortage of skilled shipmen is a Europe-wide problem and the demand for them is increasing. In view of the importance of water shipping for EU trade the number and quality of graduates are subject to monitoring (also in landlocked countries). If the CR manages to resolve the problems of the Elbe navigability, the number of workers in water transport may increase. However, as the negotiations on river projects are very lengthy and the investment is of long-term nature, this scenario is not very likely to be materialised in the next decade.

Print this page