Methodology for assessing the comparative efficiency of cargo transportation by water transport

Abstract

The article is aimed at the implementation of the tasks set by the strategy for the development of inland water transport, and increasing its role through the optimal distribution of cargo transportation between modes of transport on the basis of strategic management and regulation by state bodies. To this end, a methodology for assessing comparative efficiency for strategic planning and current regulation is proposed, taking into account the interests of three subjects: the transport system, the consumer of its services (cargo owners) and the national economy (society) as a whole. Two groups of indicators are given: cost and physical, reflecting the energy efficiency and environmental friendliness of transportation. Cost indicators are developed on the basis of the previously used costs, which differ in the content of the efficiency coefficient of capital costs or fixed assets. The novelty of this coefficient lies in determining the size of the rate of return, both for simple and extended reproduction, taking into account the depreciation rate and changes in the value of cash flows during the life cycle by discounting. Therefore, the value of the reduced costs is treated as the cost of transportation. Based on the proposed cost and physical indicators, calculations are given for three types of transport, showing the efficiency of the proposed approach, an analysis of the results is given, and preliminary conclusions are drawn about the adequacy of the approach.