Maritime

The Nile River, traversing Sudan from Southern to north, provides an important inland transport route. Its overall usefulness, have been limited by natural features, including a number of water falls and silted shallow stretches that restrict the carrying capacities of barges, especially the period of low water and river sharp bends. Another impediment has been the spread of water hyacinth, as well as the lack of navigation aids.

At present only two sections of the Nile have commercial transport services. The more important is the 500 km stretch of the White Nile from Kosti to Malakal, which is served reasonably regular. Occasional services are also being provided between Malakal and Juba, a distance of 936 km.

Southern Sudan is yet to establish an authority on inland river navigation.  The Authority when established would be responsible for safety, dredging, navigation aids and the registering of vessels and barges.