Analysis of conditions of expanding river transport participation in the grain crops shipment along the ITC «North – South»

Abstract

In the article the possibility of transporting grain crops produced in the regions of the Volga-Kama basin waterways along the international transport corridor (ITC) "North – South" by river transport is studied (mass bulk cargo, traditionally appropriate for this type of transport). For this purpose, the readiness of river ports of the Volga-Kama waterways basin for grain cargo shipment by water transport along the ITC "North – South" was assessed. Existing and proposed new chains for grain cargo delivery, which allow to increase the volume of grain cargo transportation by inland waterways to the countries of the Central and South Asia, have been considered. The main reason for river transport weak involvement as the seasonal nature of the internal waterways in the European part of the country was determined. A way of solving the problem of transporting grain cargo along the North – South ITC has been offered. This solution consists in creating a grain hub at one of the seaports of the Caspian Sea to receive, store and dispatch grain cargo delivered by the river ships during the navigation period between the navigations. The model of grain crops cargo flows along the inland waterways of the ITC "North – South" taking into account a grain hub creation was developed.