The EU must intensify its efforts to develop intermodal transport 04/12/21
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The EU must intensify its efforts to develop intermodal transport
Author: Łukasz Kuś 2021/12/04
DG MOVE Director General Henrik Hololei stated that intermodal transport had a key role to play in the European Union's plans. To achieve this, the European Commission proposes a number of investments to modernize the existing as well as build new infrastructure. Standardization is equally important so that, for example, P400 trailers can be transported by rail. Digitization and interoperability are key to improving the productivity of intermodal transport. Such activities will be supported under the CEF 2 fund, Horizon Europe, the Reconstruction Fund and the InvestEU program.
Standardization and digitization of intermodal transport is the result of both activities initiated by the European Commission and the initiatives of enterprises in this industry. Combined transport companies have almost doubled their operating results since 2009. Intermodal transport is currently the only freight rail sector in Europe that is seeing an increase in freight turnover.
Need for lobbying
Unfortunately, in the opinion of many industry representatives and experts, the European Union does not take sufficient action to eliminate the existing barriers to international intermodal transport.
- The European Commission supports development but does not support it strongly enough. For this reason, the European Parliament needs your support. Being loud is not enough. You must present your case not only in Brussels but also in the countries you represent - Barbara Thaler, MEP and member of the TRAN committee of the European Parliament, appealed to the participants of the summit
The International Union of Combined Road and Rail Transport (UIRR) presented the results of a study on the carbon footprint and energy efficiency of intermodal transport. Dr. Thorsten Sickenberger, who presented the results of the analysis, stated that for the entire door-to-door service, intermodal transport consumes 40-70% less energy than alternative modes of transport and emits 60-90% less CO2. However, zero-emission combined transport will soon be possible.
The UIRR chairman presented the CT for Europe initiative, which will include communication activities showing how intermodal transport responds to contemporary problems such as: energy crisis, lack of truck drivers and decarbonisation of transport. The campaign will be conducted both at the EU level and in the Member States.