Analysis of inland waterway vessel propulsion by criterion efficiency, ecology and safety

Abstract

The paper analyses the propulsion systems of inland waterway vessels according to the criteria of economic efficiency, ecology and safety. The professional experience of the authors and their expert knowledge indicate that always the increase of safety level as well as ecological solutions are realized at the expense of economic efficiency. Therefore, arguing for the result of such analysis, the features of water bodies, port infrastructure and elements which should influence the selection of propulsion systems, features of various types of power and fuels with their energy value guaranteeing the swimming range were described. Types of propulsion systems were characterized and a model of selection of propulsion system to the type of sailing was presented. The analysis presented in the article is necessary for a reliable assessment of the accuracy of the selection of the propulsion system for the actual conditions of operation of sea and inland waterway vessels, i.e. for the type of the vessel and its suitability to perform operational tasks on specific waterways.