Multimodal transport on the Donaukanal in Vienna

Reinhard Jellinek

Austrian Energy Agency

Scope of the study referred to

Pros and cons of

Good for longer journeys

High load capacity

Cannot handle the last mile

Pros and cons of

Good for shorter journeys

Limited load capacity

Very flexible for the last mile

The challenge

A combination

of urban

waterways

and cargo

bikes?

Implementation under investigation

Delivery of parcels to end users

(private and businesses)

Initial situation in “target area” – 3 km from river

590,000 people 45,000 parcels per day

First step of logistics chain

Logistics companies hand over the parcels to

the reloading hub at the port in Vienna

The journey

The cargo ship

Removable bicycle containers

Volume 2 m3

Ø weight 180 kg

Ø 45 parcels

The cargo bike distribution

48 cargo bikes

Six containers (270 parcels) per bike per day

Results – Feasibility

The study proves the

technical feasibility

of the system

The system allows up to

13,000 parcels a day

to be delivered

Results – Profitability

The system would be at least cost effective.

➢ Over five years, the estimated costs

stay below the estimated revenue

Results – CO2 reduction

CO2: The system only has marginal advantages.

GHG emissions of the concept are only 8.3 %

lower than those of the conventional system.

Main reason: the diesel-powered boat

Comparison – GHG reduction

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Convential distribution Boat-bike combination

[g C

O2-e

qu

ivale

nt

GHG emissions per parcel

Light vehicles

Cargo bikes

Boat (diesel)

Trucks to port

What about an electric boat?

The use of an electric boat was analysed

and dismissed because of

considerable additional costs,

added weight,

danger of short circuits and fire.

Conclusion

Until an electric boat is available, the combination of

boat and cargo bike transport does not seem

effective in terms of CO2 reduction.

However, it should not only be jugded based on CO2,

but also on traffic safety, use of public space, energy

efficiency, etc.

More information available ...

20

The study details

“RAKO-Donaukanal – multimodal transport on the Donaukanal”

https://www2.ffg.at/verkehr/projekte.php?id=1191

A research project funded by the Austrian Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology as part of the “Mobility of the future“ programme.

Partners:

• Austrian Energy Agency (AEA)

• Austrian Mobility Research (FGM-AMOR)

• DI Richard Anzböck, Zivilingenieur für

Schiffstechnik

• Heavy Pedals Cargobikes