Slovensko a námorná doprava v 20. storočí
Slovakia and Maritime Transport in the 20th Century

Summary/Abstract: This study analyzes the development of the Czechoslovak navy in the context of a landlocked country. Despite natural geographical constraints, Czechoslovakia began systematically developing its maritime transport capabilities in the mid-20th century, building on earlier, short-lived interwar efforts. These initiatives were closely linked to the country’s political cooperation with Communist China and reflected broader strategic and economic objectives. Maritime activities were institutionally organized within the Czechoslovak Maritime Shipping Company, headquartered in Prague. A more significant expansion of state-operated maritime transport occurred in the second half of the 1960s, when the Czechoslovak Danube Cruise (Dunajplavba), based in Bratislava, also began operating seagoing vessels, thus becoming the second national entity active in this sector. Dunajplavba’s ships operated in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, with the Croatian port of Rijeka serving as their main home port. Slovak sailors served in all ranks in both of Czechoslovakia’s shipping companies. As a result of political and economic changes after 1989, this sector underwent privatization, which was accompanied by a decline in competitiveness and the gradual sale of ships. Although Czechoslovak maritime transport had a relatively short history, it represents an interesting and important chapter in the history of a landlocked country.

• Details
• Contents