European Intermodal Association Rue d’Arenberg, 44, B-1000 Brussels (Belgium) (t.) +32 2 514 56 54 · (f.) +32 2 514 67 60 www.eia-ngo.com Issue 2/2011 TABLE OF CONTENT News from members: TFG Transfracht Cargotec Port of Hamburg SBB Policy at EU level Eurovignette EWTC Round Table discussion EIA Events & Activities EIA General Assembly Yearbook 2011 External Events P&G exhibition for MEPs “Our Future Mobility Now“ Summit Hearing in EESC Transport logistic 2011 ITF Transport for Society EIA visited the MEPs EU Projects SMART-CM steering committee SPECTRUM SCUTUM BE LOGIC CLOSER Upcoming Events 2011 Enable conference 4th European Shortsea Congress TOC Middle East EDITOR IN CHIEF: Klaus Ebeling EIA Honorary Secretary General We can’t give an “all-clear” declaration It is not a pleasant role for an association to draw gloomy scenarios. And it is not sufficient to point out the dangers. Actions need to be balanced. The reports of the European Union and other sources show that the minimal goals set for environment protection, particularly climate protection by CO 2 reduction, will not be reached. The play with the fire goes on and will be continuously more dangerous. The figures presented during the last conference of the ITF International Transport Forum (OECD) in Leipzig 26 May 2011, were clear and give something to think about. Surface freight activity has recovered after the last crisis and is now growing by a factor of 2,6 to 3,5 until 2050 (compared to 2000). Freight modal split by region, 2005 – 2030 – 2050, - Halfway case between high and low scenarios Trucks Rail 2005 OECD North America 40 60 OECD Europe 86 14 OECD Pacific 72 28 China 25 75 Latin America 84 16 Rest of World 87 13 2030 OECD North America 48 52 OECD Europe 89 11 OECD Pacific 77 23 China 91 9 2050 OECD North America 54 46 OECD Europe 90 10 OECD Pacific 81 19 China 56 44 Latin America 92 8 ROW 94 6 Source: International Transport Forum calculations using MoMo version 2011 Compare this with the figures on the following table! Dear Members and Non-Members,
News from members: TFG Transfracht Cargotec Port of Hamburg SBB
Policy at EU level Eurovignette EWTC Round Table
discussion
EIA Events & Activities EIA General Assembly Yearbook 2011
External Events P&G exhibition for MEPs “Our Future Mobility
Now“ Summit Hearing in EESC Transport logistic 2011 ITF Transport for Society EIA visited the MEPs
EU Projects SMART-CM steering
committee SPECTRUM SCUTUM BE LOGIC CLOSER
Upcoming Events 2011 Enable conference 4th European Shortsea
Congress TOC Middle East
EDITOR IN CHIEF:
Klaus Ebeling EIA Honorary Secretary
General
We can’t give an “all-clear” declaration
It is not a pleasant role for an association to draw gloomy scenarios. And it is not sufficient to point out the dangers. Actions need to be balanced.
The reports of the European Union and other sources show that the minimal goals set for environment protection, particularly climate protection by CO2 reduction, will not be reached. The play with the fire goes on and will be continuously more dangerous. The figures presented during the last conference of the ITF International Transport Forum (OECD) in Leipzig 26 May 2011, were clear and give something to think about. Surface freight activity has recovered after the last crisis and is now growing by a factor of 2,6 to 3,5 until 2050 (compared to 2000).
Freight modal split by region, 2005 – 2030 – 2050,
- Halfway case between high and low scenarios
Trucks Rail 2005
OECD North America 40 60 OECD Europe 86 14 OECD Pacific 72 28 China 25 75 Latin America 84 16 Rest of World 87 13
2030
OECD North America 48 52 OECD Europe 89 11 OECD Pacific 77 23
China 91 9
2050 OECD North America 54 46 OECD Europe 90 10 OECD Pacific 81 19 China 56 44
Latin America 92 8
ROW 94 6
Source: International Transport Forum calculations using MoMo version 2011
Compare this with the figures on the following table!
Dear Members and Non-Members,
2
Modal composition of global CO2 emissions from transport vehicle use
Source: International Transport Forum calculations using MoMo version 2011.
The conclusion is evident: the EU Commission’s lever in the first White Paper 2010 seemed convincing: shift to rail.
The half-time “correction” 2006 drew the conclusion that the shift could not be managed by the existing rail system. “Comodality” was the slogan now.
The Ministers of the International Transport Forum summit (OECD level) were inter alia
- Promoting a freight transport system that is reliable, efficient, and environmentally sound, with strong links between all modes
- Encouraging pricing that better reflects the costs of transport use - Concluding that they will, in their national policies, continue to address these challenges.
Will we really see a policy that will strengthen an intermodal transport system considering the respective environmental advantages of the modes? Will we see consistent and resolute decisions and actions?
After all, the Ministers were aware of the importance of transport. In their declaration they noted that the disruptions caused by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan tragically highlight the essential role of transport in the lives of individuals and communities, reminding us that what is particularly important in the event of a natural disaster are disaster-resistant infrastructure; the quick restoration of operations; and the provision and sharing of information on damage, recovery and the availability of transport services.
There is one point I would like to add: a well-designed intermodal transport system has the advantage that it offers alternatives. Therefore we need a cooperation of all modes in an intelligent way. Some of those who were sticking in the airports nailed by the Eyjafjallajökull ashes would have appreciated that.
Klaus EBELING,
Honorary Secretary General
Klaus EBELING
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News from members
TFG Transfracht Portrait
Being the market leader in seaport hinterland transport, TFG Transfracht connects the German seaports Hamburg and Bremerhaven with the hinterland terminals in Germany, Austria and Switzerland on a daily basis. With more than 11,000 connections per year and over 20 terminals TFG’s AlbatrosExpress railway system is the most close-knit system in European seaport hinterland transport.
With a recent increase of shuttle trains to more than 60% of the whole transport volume, connections between the main commercial centres and the German seaports results are more frequent and more reliable. Furthermore, a combination of daytime and overnight connections allows for more departures on the main routes.
When it comes to “green logistics”, TFG Transfracht, as a logistics service company, is setting a good example. TFG counts on rail connections and cuts its carbon footprint by 80 % against road transport, thus making a sustainable contribution to environmental protection. As of now TFG is offering its customers transports completely free of CO2, by using the component ‘Eco Plus’ – electricity from regenerative energy sources. And even when transporting freight on the ‘final mile‘ by lorry, TFG supports climate protection by using only low-polluting, noise-reducing, energy-saving vehicles.
TFG Transfracht, a subsidiary of DB Mobility Logistics AG and Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG, was founded in 1969 and has been an active operator in combined transport via road and rail ever since.
Cargotec prepares for the future with 'Port 2060'
More than 50 years after the start of containerisation, Cargotec has envisaged the way the port of the future might look. Cargotec's Port 2060 vision suggests that over the next few decades cargo handling technology will keep evolving and yet containers will keep moving cargo around the world. By 2060, the company says, mega ports will be located offshore on artificial islands where layouts can be optimised. These ports will be supported by floating feeder/river terminals that can be moved around in line with changing demands. The container itself will remain in use, based on the same compact, standardized format. But different materials might be used, while containers could be foldable and may have inbuilt intelligence to communicate destination, contents and journey details. The majority of container vessels of the future will be fully automated, or with very small crew, with numerous energy saving features, including solar technology. They will also be designed so that a container block can be separated from the vessels if needed, allowing them to then pick up another cargo block and sail on. One of the most startling concepts could be 'flying spreaders', using nano-fibre technology. Feeder vessels will be loaded by these flying spreaders, facilitating last minute loading changes, for instance. Cargo handling systems will use alternative energy sources or electric drives, and wheels will have been replaced by air cushion or magnetic levitation technologies. Handling equipment will have its own 'consciousness', allowing it to monitor wear and tear, and will be able to order its own
maintenance and repairs remotely. Landside handling equipment will be made up of universal
modules that are fully interchangeable between different types of equipment, and will be tailored using special software solutions.
To learn more on the topic, Cargotec invites everyone to visit www.cargotec.com/port2060
Considerable growth for Port of Hamburg in 2011 first quarter
In the first three months of 2011 the Port of Hamburg achieved above-average growth of 18.2 percent in container throughput and a 9.8 percent gain in total seaborne cargo throughput, whereas the Western ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp reported increases in container throughput for the same period of 2011 of 10.1 and 7.9 percent, respectively, with throughput of 2.1 million TEU growth for the Port of Hamburg reached 18.2 percent.
The positive results for the Port of Hamburg Railway, a division of the Hamburg Port Authority, were maintained in the first quarter. The environmental components introduced at the Port Railway at the beginning of the year also took effect. Month by month, 84 rail companies have introduced more and more railcars with noise-reducing “whispering brakes”.
Following extensive investments in expanding the port and its infrastructure, and also in new IT systems, the Port of Hamburg is already well equipped to handle growing volumes of goods and transport as well as mega-sized vessels. With its dense network of worldwide liner services and its superb rail, road and inland waterway links, the Port of Hamburg exercises an especially important function as the worldwide foreign trade hub for the German economy and for external trade of its European neighbors.
Even if growth in the German economy may in the opinion of leading economists slow down in the second quarter owing to the rise in prices and the somewhat flagging momentum of the world economy, for 2011, CEO Claudia Roller anticipates further sustained growth of around 10 percent in the Port of Hamburg’s throughput of seaborne cargoes.
News from members
Xrail alliance successfully strengthens wagonload services in Europe
Positive customer feedback after Xrail’s first year • Targets up to 40 percent of international wagonload business executed to Xrail quality standards by 2012
Xrail, a production alliance launched in February 2010 by seven European rail freight operators to bolster international wagonload services, is delivering positive results: starting in autumn 2010, some 10 percent of all European wagonload transport services carried out on 150 routes between the partners were being executed to Xrail standards by the end of 2010. And by the end of this year, the number of service routes on offer is scheduled to triple to 450. In this way, the alliance seeks to achieve some 25 percent market coverage within the European wagonload network. This share is expected to rise to up to 40 percent next year.
Xrail offers customers reliable, service-focused wagonload carriage throughout Europe – with improved transparency of data availability from start to finish.
Transparent data availability at a sustained, uniform level before, during and after shipments serves to keep customers better informed. Customers are thus informed for example of delays affecting the planned transport schedules of individual wagons. Up to now, this has not been possible. Railfreight operators outside the Xrail network also benefit from receiving more precise date and time information when deviations in transport schedules occur.
The alliance is comprised of seven European rail freight operators, namely CD Cargo (Czech Republic), CFL cargo (Luxembourg), DB Schenker Rail (Germany), Green Cargo (Sweden), Rail Cargo Austria (Austria), SNCB Logistics (Belgium) and SBB Cargo (Switzerland). Xrail works to improve the quality of currently available cargo services, for example by simplifying the use of available resources and developing shared capacity management.
X rail covered countries
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Eurovignette directive: a new milestone for intermodality
On 7th July, the European Parliament finally voted the revision of Eurovignette Directive. After 3 years of debate, MEPs eventually decided to apply the 'polluter-pays' principle on EU roads.
Following the trend set by the White Paper on Transport, EIA is pleased by this revised directive as it will stimulate greener modes of transport and actually help switching from one mode to another. Indeed, despite being well received and hailed as a solution for the future of transportation, intermodality is still too often sacrificed because of its long-term objective of sustainability which needs efforts in readjusting logistics strategies.
For the first time, EU law is paving the way for internalizing the external costs of transport not only for infrastructure costs but also for noise and pollution. In addition, charges may vary depending on the congestion and more motorways are likely to be affected compared with the original directive adopted in 2006.
In practical terms, EU member States are from now allowed to impose charges on trucks above 3.5 tons to offset pollution costs. The main limit is that the Eurovignette is only resting on electronic tolls. As a consequence, hardly a half of EU member states would be able to implement this system in a near future.
Moreover, it must be underlined that this revised directive is a compromise: peripheral countries are afraid the new green tolls are harmful to their competitiveness while main freight transit countries have strongly supported the proposal.
Finally, the Commission managed to insert mandatory earmarking of the new charging revenue. However, member states are not forced to reinvest the tax revenues in greening road transport. They are merely encouraged to set aside 15% of the revenues for investment in sustainable transport infrastructure projects, such as more competitive intermodal terminals.
The Eurovignette directive can be considered as a step forward towards intermodal transport as it is the kind of political decision which gives the needed practical measures and financial incentives.
Policy at EU level
6
Afterwards, the discussion focused on the TEN-T policy review, in particular on core network multimodal corridors as pilots of green corridors. Valuable methodological clarifications were given on how the Commission is identifying core networks, primary and secondary nodes (for example ports, airports, cities, conurbations) as well as the different kind of links between them. Mr. Klaus EBELING, EIA Honorary Secretary General, said a clearer separation of passengers and freight rail networks was needed. Eventually, he was enthusiastic about the idea of mutualizing infrastructures and insisted a well-identified one-stop service provider must be accountable for it.
Concrete measures were presented about the European added value achieved by combining green corridors approach with cooperation along the established intermodal transport corridors, such as the East West Transport Corridor. Thanks to Mr. ŠAKALYS analysis, emphasis was then put on rail transport based flows from Europe towards CIS area and reaching western regions of China. Cooperation beyond EU borders was also mentioned as an opportunity that can benefit the private sector, as the Ukrainian company Plaske showed in its business plan. The pilot shuttle train VIKING, operating between Baltic and Black Sea ports, was an illuminative example.
Finally, the first success stories in the development of East – West Transport corridor demonstrate how the extension of the European Transport Policy towards neighboring regions could benefit from use of the innovative instruments such as the EWTCA.
High level Round Table discussion at EIA
Key priorities of the new white paper on transport and innovative tools for the development of global intermodal transport corridors in the context of European Transport Policy in the East
On 22nd
June 2011, a round table discussion was jointly organized by Association of East West Transport Corridor (EWTCA) & European Intermodal Association (EIA) on two major current topics: the key priorities of the new EC White Paper on Transport and the realization of a green corridor concept through the formation of intermodal transport corridors, linking Europe with third countries.
A broad spectrum of both public and private stakeholders was represented, as participants came from private companies, regional administrations, national ministries, European Parliament and European Commission, including Mr. FITCH, Deputy Head of Cabinet of Commissioner KALLAS. His presentation of the 2011 White Paper was followed by many remarks on the document and by a lively dialogue between participants on the integration of transport modes.
Klaus Ebeling (EIA) & Ken Fitch (DG MOVE)
Participants fully engaged in a vibrant discussion
Policy at EU level
Helmut Adelsberger (TEN-T EA) explaining European Transport Policy in the East
7
EIA Events & Activities
EIA General Assembly, 5 April, Strasbourg
The 18th General Assembly of EIA was held on 5 April 2011 in the buildings of the Port of Strasbourg where several topics were raised by EIA members in a very constructive atmosphere.
Important decisions regarding the association were taken. Changes in the Secretariat have seen the appointment of M. Peter WOLTERS, former Deputy Secretary General, as EIA Secretary General, while M. Klaus EBELING will continue to play an active role in the association as Honorary Secretary General. New Project Manager Andrea Grisilla will contribute to the daily functioning of the association.
EIA presented five new members joining the association: CargoBeamer (German company developing a horizontal trans-shipment technology); EcoLogistics (Bulgarian terminal operator); Jan De Rijk Logistics (Netherlands-based company, pioneer in dedicated road feeder services for the emerging air cargo industry in Europe); Legios A.S. (producer of locomotives, railway freight wagons and wagon spare parts) as well as M. Klaus EBELING as first individual member of EIA (a new category of members, introduced in the Statutes during this General Assembly). The General Assembly was very proud to welcome these members as a renewed sign of recognition of the work at EU level done by the association.
From left to right: L. Ambrogio, C. Trautman & B. Simpson
EIA Secretary General Peter Wolters, President Hanja Maij-Weggen, EIA Honorary Secretary General Klaus Ebeling
Guided tour in the Port Autonome de Strasbourg area
8
External Events
Intermodal Yearbook 2011 to be released at the end of the summer
Building further on the successful first edition which was very well received by the main public and private players in the field of transport, EIA will release the second edition of its “Intermodal Yearbook – Strategies, Statistics, Terminals and Players” at the end of this summer.
A unique combination of transport networks, terminals, port-hinterland strategies, flows, volume statistics and names of operators stemming from various modes, the Intermodal Yearbook streamlines, in a both glossy paper and digital version, the newest information on market players and EU transport policy while it represents the most accurate and updated source of information for transport professionals, decision makers, research centers and for academic institution as well.
This year’s edition will pay close attention to successful Logistics Concepts and Green Transport solutions developed by companies while still giving a detailed overview of main European intermodal networks and flows of goods. Various sources have been consulted, such as the EU Commission, national ministries, port databases, ‘Brussels’ expert organizations, promotion centers, research bodies, EU project results, press, universities, personal opinions of individuals
and, of course, members of EIA. The high-quality atlas will be sold on the EIA website (www.eia-
ngo.com) at the reasonable price of €75-each. However, a free copy will be offered to every member.
EIA would like to sincerely thank all the members, sources and persons for gathering the relevant material included in the Yearbook.
Reducing emissions through intermodal transport – P&G exhibition for MEPs, 31 May, Brussels
P&G is one of the world’s largest producers of consumer goods and improving the efficiency of the transportation of our products is one of our key sustainability goals.
On May 31 2011, the company hosted an exhibition of projects on efficient logistics and intermodality supported by the EU 7
th Framework Programme, on a train platform at Gare de Luxembourg.
A specially constituted freight train was there to demonstrate efficient transportation solutions. The event was organised in cooperation with transportation and logistics providers P&O Ferrymasters, intermodal operator Inter Ferry Boats (IFB) and Colruyt Group retailers.
Welcoming guests to a reception on efficient logistics, lnés Ayala Sender MEP, member of the European Parliament Committee on Transport and Tourism declared: “Intermodality will be a key part of the solution to the huge logistic and environmental challenges the transport sector faces worldwide. Industry must focus on the improvement of the logistic process to achieve a more sustainable transport system that meets society’s needs.”
Frank Arendt, Director of Western European Logistics Purchases highlighted: “At P&G, we are always looking for innovative ways to limit the impact of our products and activities on the environment. We strongly support the concept of an intermodal transport chain and aim to increase use of rail and waterways, with only the first and last miles done by road transport. P&G sees intermodal transport as the future. It is a key focus of our efforts to innovate sustainably. We are likewise focusing on improving the efficiency within each mode of transport, which also includes making road transport more efficient in terms of fuel, emissions and costs.”
EIA was represented at the event by Jean-Rémi Leizagoyen
2010 edition has been a great success!
P&G officials surrounded by MEPs and other participants of the event. (Picture: P&G)
EIA Events & Activities
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“Our Future Mobility Now“ Summit : the first milestone towards intermodality, 23rd June, Brussels
There was no better place than the Autoworld Museum in Brussels to hold a summit on future mobility. This event was organized on 23
rd June by the European Automobile Manufacturers
Association (ACEA) and gathered young engineers, political leaders and captains of industries.
Showing the importance of this event, Belgian Prime Minister Yves LETERME made the opening speech, which was followed by three quality round table discussions and video recorded speeches -including one of the President of the European Commission José MANUEL-BARROSO, and one of Commissioner Connie HEDEGAARD (Climate Action). Commissioners KALLAS (Transport) and ANDOR (Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion) contributed to the debates from a political perspective.
Most of the time, discussions were driven by young delegates while there was a real dialogue between them and decision-makers. Topics such as technology, connectivity and standardization were talked over, as well as main issues for the future: car sharing, demographic change or alternative sources of energy will have to be tackled in the next few years.
The shape of things to come will not only be defined by politicians and car manufacturers but also by customers. More globally, Mr. KALLAS insisted on intermodality as one of the key priority for the future. He referred several times to the recent White Paper on transport when he told the audience about integrated transport, energy efficiency and freedom of movement.
The day ended with a visit of the museum with European Commission Vice President TAJANI (Industry and Entrepreneurship). EIA was represented at the event by Bruno Gourdon.
Hearing in EESC: EIA Honorary Secretary takes a stand on the European railway system, 23rd June, Brussels
The EIA was invited to a Hearing by the EESC (European Economic and Social Committee at 23 June 2011. The Consultative Commission on Industrial Change (CCMI) had prepared a report with the title “The prospects for sustainable employment in rail, rolling stock and infrastructure: how industrial change will influence the European employment and skills base”. Klaus Ebeling represented the EIA.
The experts of the different professional sectors in general agreed to the content of the draft report. They supported the opinion that the railway system in Europe is still too fragmented in national companies and that particularly the infrastructure has to be developed in the interest of needs of the large economic space of EU.
Klaus Ebeling gave a short overview of the extremely rapid development of the rail network in the 19
th century and the retrograde steps in the period after World War II. The society realises
with the understanding of sustainability that a strong rail system is needed. He underlined that part of the report that quotes the railway progress in China and pleaded for a separation in the long run of passengers and freight. The high speed on rail should be operated not only on separate lines but been joined together to a real network.
With respect to the specific subject he took the position that the education for the profession should be harmonised. (And he regretted that the initiative he had taken in his time at the UIC to create a European Transport Academy had finally not been accepted in the General Assembly because of particular interests of one single rail company).
Some of the prestigious participants of the Round Table discussions
The EESC building, shared with the Committee of the Regions
External Events
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EIA promoted intermodality at the Transport & Logistic Exhibition, 10-13th May, Munich
From 10th
to 13rd May the Transport & Logistic Exhibition took place in Munich. The European Intermodal Association was honored to be represented and to share a stand with the Swiss company BERTSCHI AG, which is leading the European Chemical Transport Market for more than 50 years.
As this event is the world largest trade fair regarding transport, it has been a formidable way for promoting our association, intermodal transportation, and of course for meeting possible new partners. T&L exhibition was impressively crowded and EIA attendance was fully appreciated by all the participants.
EIA has been able to promote all the projects in which the association is currently involved, in particular Tellibox, SMART-CM and Scutum. This fair represented also a really useful opportunity to find new precious information for the next edition of our Intermodal Yearbook, as new intermodal players agreed to become “official sources”.
It was the second time we shared our stand with BERTSCHI, it was a success and a pleasure to renew this experience.
Bertschi’s standpoint on the Munich Trade Fair – Transport & Logistics 2011
EIA member Bertschi Group has had again the possibility to jointly participate with the European Intermodal Association at the transport logistic 2011 in Munich. The world' s largest trade fair for logistics, mobility, IT and supply chain management from May 10-13, 2011 has turned in not only an increase in the number of exhibitors - it has also attracted more visitors than ever before: over 51,000 trade visitors from 134 countries came to the fair.
"We believe transport logistic is becoming more and more also a focus for all our major clients within the chemical industry and its value for our business development is tremendous", said Markus Bilk, Sales Executive for Europe.
Bertschi took the opportunity to illustrate its extensive Intermodal network with new subsidiaries recently opened in Portugal, Turkey and Russia. Furthermore there was also a significant interest to the launch of the very first ISO tank containers with hazardous material being shipped via the newly developed Intermodal landbridge from Antwerp via Moscow towards China/Korea and after more than 2 years of preparation together with Hupac, the Swiss Intermodal Operator and its partners.
Overall Bertschi was more than satisfied with the result of the participation and indicated a strong interest to continue with the cooperation for a 3rd time in 2013 (June 04-07). "We have met with a majority of our clients from Western Europe but we have also noticed a growing number of potential clients from Eastern Europe and Overseas. All in all the halls were amazingly full, our meeting tables were booked up all the time. Business is picking up again and we in the logistics sector are the first to really feel the recovery in the industry", stated Heinz Munder, who organized and prepared the event together with EIA.
Intermodal routes followed by Bertschi AG – (Facts and figures 2011 – HM)
Up: A strong visitor crowd throughout the exhibition.
Below: Joint stand of EIA and its member Bertschi Group (Picture: Tim Thiemann/Bertschi AG)
External Events
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International Transport Forum, 25-27th May, Leipzig
Transport for society
By 2050, the world’s population will reach 9 billion. For three days, the International Transport Forum gave a comprehensive overview of how to cope with global passenger mobility and freight transport volume which are expected to triple. In the freight sector, the accent was put on intermodal solutions. Given the rising importance of these issues, the Chinese Vice-Minister for Transport, Mr. GAO Hongfeng, has officially declared his intention to join the International Transport Forum during the event.
For this fourth annual summit, the International Transport Forum focused on topics impacting the future of mobility: a large scale of issues were discussed such as road safety, accessibility, mobility rights but also ever-increasing problems such as financing transport systems under tight budgets, sustainable urban travel and the balance between transport security and civil liberties. A quite important part in the discussions played the new concepts of coping with the passenger transporting the future mega-cities: car-sharing, bicycling, particularly the electrical bicycle.
EIA received by MEPs, 23rd May, Brussels
The European Intermodal Association was received by MEP Jean-Paul GAUZES at the European Parliament for an informal visit on 23th May. Thanks to its intermediation, EIA also met MEP Dominique RIQUET, member of the transport committee. It was a good opportunity to present our association and some of our projects to these decision makers who carefully listened to us. Attention was mainly focused on Tellibox, taken as an example of EIA’s contribution to intermodality. The overall goals of EIA were also highlighted, as well as how we could better promote our standpoint to MEPs. As Mr. RIQUET seemed particularly interested by our publications, an intermodal yearbook was sent to him straight after our visit.
A quick tour of the Parliament followed, as well as an open-debate over a lunch, kindly offered by Mr. GAUZES.
Peter RAMSAUER, Carole COUNE and Jack SHORT
Members of European Parliament
J-P. GAUZES (left) and D.RIQUET (right)
Inside & outside the European Parliament
External Events
Furthermore, ministers from the International Transport Forum’s 52 member countries elected a new Secretary General, Carole COUNE, to succeed Jack Short. Mrs. COUNE guided the Belgian Ministry through a successful Presidency of the European Council of the EU. She has earned a great part of her long experience through SNCB, a long-established EIA full member.
EIA, represented by Honorary Secretary General Klaus EBELING, participated to the event using its NGO status.
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EU Projects
SMART – CM Steering Committee meeting at EIA and CEN Workshop, 31st May, Brussels
EIA premises in Brussels hosted on May 31st
an intense and successful meeting of the Steering Committee of the SMART-CM project. For the occasion, a detailed analysis was done about all the results the consortium has achieved till now, considering both technological and business aspects.
Looking toward the end of the project, which has been planned for the next October, a series of further steps was agreed in order to ensure an effective market strategy for SMART-CM. In this sense all the partners will give their contribution for the realization of an exhaustive roadmap, enriched by a demonstration organized by Kühne+Nagel.
The event was followed the next day by a standardization workshop at the CEN building in Brussels. The 100% attendance by all who had registered to attend (a really uncommon event for a Standardization Workshop) demonstrates the high value to the market, especially to the EU and its supply chain partners in Asia and in the Americas, of SMART-CM subject matter, and it demonstrates the wisdom exhibited by all funding and managing stakeholders that have been and are supporting the project.
EIA was represented in the meetings by Andrea Grisilla.
SPECTRUM Kick-off meeting, 2-3rd June, Paris
The SPECTRUM Kick off meeting, which took place at UIC on 2-3rd June in Paris, aims at finding “Solutions and Processes to Enhance the Competitiveness of Transport by Rail in Unexploited Markets” SPECTRUM objective is to work towards a freight train that behaves like a passenger train in terms of speed, acceleration, braking, but also allowing full scheduling on urban and sub urban train networks. This train should receive a standardized and universal power supply system for the delivery of power to temperature controlled containers (reefers) in a controllable fashion. Modern manufacturing techniques and logistics require reliable, time sensitive delivery of lower density and higher value goods. This presents a market opportunity for rail freight to grow, partly due to increasing congestion on roads, and mainly due to the need for reliable and environment friendly transport of goods. Furthermore in congested situations railfreight may have a competitive advantage compared to other modes of traffic. SPECTRUM will develop a freight train that provides a higher speed service for high value, low density and time sensitive goods with the performance characteristics of a passenger train. SPECTRUM takes a longer term, radical and first principles approach to deliver a new railfreight offering that can compete with road and air in the growing sectors of logistics where railfreight has traditionally little to offer. Klaus Ebeling took part in the meeting representing EIA, partner in the SPECTRUM consortium.
Smart CM steering committee members met at EIA office, in Brussels
UIC building is located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower
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SCUTUM Think Tank event, 7th June, Lyon
Advanced technology in support of dangerous goods transport
In coincidence with the ITS Europe 2011 congress in Lyon, SCUTUM consortium has organized its first project event on June 7th in the Gratte Ciel building, located in the Cité Internationale complex, an interesting creation of the archistar Renzo Piano.
The event was conceived as a Think Tank on the use of advanced technologies in support of the transport of dangerous goods. During this one day event, the audience had the opportunity to be informed on the present initiatives demonstrating benefits of up-to-date technologies adoption for the management of dangerous goods transport in various transport modes.
Institutions’ perspectives, users’ needs, technology enablers and standardisation were approached in three different sessions. Thus, experiences and ideas were confronted in order to better outline a solution that will meet the need of a tracing and tracking technology, able to give to the various operators (chemical industries, carriers, institutions, local authorities and fire brigades...) the most detailed amount of data related to a specific transport of dangerous goods on road.
The conclusions drawn by Edgar Thielmann, in charge of the Galileo department dealing with GNSS application and ITS at DG TREN (European Commission), underlined clearly how SCUTUM can be considered the leader among the EU-funded projects, aimed to the best exploitation of EGNOS satellite navigation system and, in the future, of Galileo.
In this respect, all of the speakers acknowledged that the EGNOS-using technology implemented by ENI oil company on their trucks and trailers is clear example of a valid and reliable solution, which deserves to be exploited and extended in Europe.
EIA, member of SCUTUM consortium, was represented in the event by Andrea Grisilla.
Be Logic
Be Logic e-tool is already running and used by professional customers to display different possible routes operated by the participating terminals. Thanks to several new participants, many terminals have been added and the database will allow users to find new opportunities and updated connections to better transfer or deliver their goods.
Be-Logic also proposes a Logistics Benchmarking Tool to find the most efficient intermodal solutions. A benchmark of logistics chains can give SMEs insight into the potential gains of reconsidering their logistics choices in terms of costs, performance, environment and quality. In the long term, benchmarking can contribute to the introduction of a common quality label.
Regarding the EIA contribution, time has come to finalize the project follow-up. Our association has administered the project by feeding a new database which will be used as valuable material to keep the European route-finder provided as accurate as possible.
The database is accessible on www.be-logic.info
Example of routes found via the Be-Logic route-finder
Workshop for CLOSER, which was kindly hosted by the Conseil regional de Lille. EIA is an advisory board member of the CLOSER project.
Results and prospects of this project were examined with much care, while keeping in mind that in the end they must allow stakeholders to receive recommendations to better connect short and long-distance transport networks.
Several examples helped illustrating what could be done to improve intermodal solutions and to better link networks: AREP (SNCF subsidiary company) presented its plans for passenger transports, while Ports of Lille and Port of Dunkerque provided the participants with concrete modal shift cases.
Progress has been made since the work package2 began: the objectives are now almost completed, as literature (224 entries) and stakeholders (461 entries) databases have enlarged drastically. This will allow a good identification of the actors involved as well as a clear methodology. Work package 3 is now under discussion in order to categorize interfaces for short and long-distance transport.
In the same vein as CLOSER, two sister projects were briefly presented at this meeting: HERMES and INTERCONNECT try to improve interconnections in the context of longer distance journeys. Furthermore, ORIGAMI, another intermodal project which deals with Optimal Regulation and Infrastructure for Ground, Air and Maritime Interfaces was taken into account during the discussion.
Two points were particularly stressed during the workshop: the first one was about finding core indicators for interfaces between short and long-distance networks, while the second one was thinking about appropriate structures to connect these transportation systems.
Divided session on passengers and freight allowed participants to go further in details: participants were asked what the most important dimensions in categorizations for interface were in their opinion.
Decision was taken to insist on clear, measurable and easily surveyed indicators which could be discussed with stakeholders so as to be sure that these datas are useful and available.
EIA was represented by Mr. Bruno Gourdon at this CLOSER meeting. The workshop was followed by the Policy Advisory Group on 25
th May.
The building of Conseil regional de Lille.
Source: AFP
EU Projects
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Upcoming events 2011
Enable conference
The second and final Conference of the ENABLE project will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina on the 30th of June 2011. The Conference will be an open event, where all interested parties in the field of intermodal freight transport and logistics will have the opportunity to obtain a sound picture of the date results and findings of the project. More importantly, as this conference will be the final event of the project, overall conclusions and recommendations for strengthening the European-Latin American transport relations will be presented and discussed, while opportunities for business cooperation by exploiting the results of the project will be explored. Representatives of the Latin American public authorities, industries and transport associations will be given the opportunity for discussion, networking and exchange of experience both among each other and with their European counterparts.
For further information, please consult: www.enable-project.net
TOC Middle East
27-29 September 2011 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Working in partnership with Global Institute of Logistics (GIL) and Containerisation International the TOC conference will combine the forces of industry experts to deliver exciting new themes. It will introduce new themes which aim to discuss and inform the container terminal’s role within the full container maritime supply chain.
The modern day terminal is constantly analyzing how to improve efficiencies and technologies that will allow it to look further up the supply chain in forging links with shippers and cargo owners. The conference aims to bring together these stakeholders for open discussion forum.
For further information, go to: www.tocevents-me.com
Intermodal Europe 2011
29 November – 1 December 2011, Hamburg, Germany
Intermodal is the world’s leading exhibition and conference for all companies associated with the container and intermodal industries.Organised by IIR Exhibitions, Intermodal is now in its 35th year. The event dates back to its early beginnings in 1976, as the Container Technology Conference (CTC) and has developed and matured alongside the industry it serves.
Among its many business-to-business brands, IIR Exhibitions has a prestigious portfolio of maritime and transport exhibitions, including TOC Asia, TOC Americas, TOC Europe, TOC Market Briefing, ShipRepair & Conversion, RoRo and INMEX India.
Are you looking for a place to organize a meeting in Brussels?
Rent our meeting room!
The Meeting Room is located in Rue d’Arenberg 44. Click here for details. We are located on a walking distance to the Central Station (metro Gare Central) and Grand Place in the heart of Brussels. We offer this fully equipped meeting room in the centre of Brussels. Rates (drinks included): Full Day: 200 € Half Day: 100 €
Max. 16 persons
Projector, screen, copier & fax
WIFI – Internet
Soft drinks, coffee/tea
Lunch upon request — contact us for special rates
Separate equipped room also for longer term (with PC/internet)
If you have further questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
You will be very welcomed by EIA team!
Upcoming events 2011
Publisher: EIA, Rue d’Arenberg 44, Brussels, Belgium
Editor in chief: Klaus Ebeling EIA Hon.Secretary General
