River transport is one of the oldest forms of transportation. Along with inland waterways ports, inland waters and inlandwater traffic are the main logistics for the development and improvement of the inland waterway navigation system. The Republic of Croatia has 1,016.16 km of inland waterways, of which 611.60 km are classified as international waterways. Inland navigation and ports in the Republic of Croatia are regulated by the Inland Waterway Navigation and Ports Act. The inland waters of the Republic of Croatia are part of the European transnational transport system. The Republic of Croatia has 4 ports on inland waters: the Port of Vukovar on the Danube, the Port of Osijek on the Drava, the Port of Slavonski Brod on the Sava and the Port of Sisak also on the Sava River. When we talk about the state of inland waterways ports in the Republic of Croatia, we can say that their potential is not sufficiently used, but in accordance with the adopted strategic plans and documents, with appropriate modernization, they can make significant progress. In Europe, the development and improvement of inland waterways ports and inland waterways navigation is of increasing interest. The development of inland waterways ports in Europe has a key role in achieving a sustainable, efficient and environmentally friendly transport system. Through infrastructure modernization, environmental initiatives, digitization and innovation, and support through European policies and projects, inland waterway ports and inland navigation can significantly contribute to economic growth and sustainable development of both the Republic of Croatia and Europe.