Thanks to the construction of Vitebsk hydroelectric station, the upper pool has a length of 48 km with stable depths and good ship running characteristics. Artificially created conditions gave impetus to the development of infrastructure and shipping of all forms of ownership. Regional business expresses serious interest in creating its own fleet. However, there is a problem with the down pool, which affects the functional activities of Vitebskvodtrans. On a stretch of 20 km during the low season, it is practically not navigable.