EUTP II - Thematic Network on Freight Transfer Points and Terminals
Overview
Background & policy context:
Elementary knowledge on intermodal terminal network on European level is lacking. Research is needed on this area. There is very little information on international Origin Destination (O-D) flows. Some EU financed research projects include this kind of information but further integration of this information is needed. Intermodal traffic needs a clear target, for example 10 or 20% share of the transport. Today, the definition of intermodal traffic is too narrow and unclear.
Overview of previous EC research on intermodal transport and terminals shows that most of last decade's research has focused on the terminal and transhipment technologies which do not appear to be the main problem. The economic and efficient performance of the facility as part of the overall logistics chain is a key for competitive terminals operating at a high quality service level and integrated within the transport network.
Objectives:
The main objectives of EUTP are to run a permanent and dynamic network, to enhance exchange of data and information, and to create synergy in the European research effort related to intermodal freight transfer points. The aim is to form a European RTD strategy to enhance and develop the intermodal transport sector through a more efficient use of intermodal transfer points. The network comprises researchers, industry representatives, policy makers, transport operators, and transport consultants.
Methodology:
The EUTP II project complements the work programme of the European Commission Fifth Framework Programme on RTD through its objective to enhance the European RTD strategy to further develop intermodal transport and to enhance interoperability. Strengthening intermodality in Europe will support the competitive position of European industry while reducing congestion, pollution and other negative effects on the environment. Collection and analysis of existing material is undertaken, including the preparation of an inventory of the state of the art building on findings both from national and international level.
The work is separated into the following main categories:
Steering Committee consisting of national representatives
The Steering Committee that has been created comprises representatives from 14 member states, OECD, European Parliament and EU. The members are representing ministries as well as the research and private sectors.
In total there were 4 Steering Committee meetings, in which the following subjects were discussed:
- EU intermodal policy and research initiatives, E-commerce and distribution;
- Inland waterway transport, low priority for transport research in some countries, reflections on the White Paper, development of national intermodal transport, national RTD programmes, national subsidy programmes, aims to shift freight transport from road to intermodal transport, intermodal in urban areas and national policy papers;
- National research programmes including Interreg, telematics developments, infrastructure usage and some intermodal projects such as CESAR, CroBIT (Cross-border information technology) and co-operation with ERTICO;
- New EU policy and research initiatives, intermodal loading units, freight integrator action plan, logistics research activities and transport security;
- The evolution of combined transport in Europe, especially quality problems with railways.
The clustering activities
Three clusters are defined:
- Policy, organisational aspects and network integration
- Infrastructure, transport equipment and transfer means
- Information and communication systems.
There have also been 4 cluster meetings.
The cluster approach is employed to enhance the co-operation between national and European RTD on
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