Unlocking the Potential of Rail Freight, Innovations and Challenges

Rail freight is a superior choice for green transport compared to road, playing a crucial role in achieving decongestion and striving for modal shift goals. However, rail freight transport faces its own challenges, including cross-border interoperability and intermodal connections. Investments and innovations are essential to unlocking its full potential within the wider context of multimodal logistics.

In the upcoming Rhine-Alpine Talk #17 (RAT) session, 28^th of June starting from 11.00h, we are eager to share and discuss insights from key players in the transport industry. Real case studies from the Horizon Europe-funded innovation project MultiRELOAD on new rail freight concepts as well as integration within digital multimodal nodes, will be presented.

These cases aim to inspire attendees and challenge them to consider which potential regulatory frameworks still need to be addressed to advance innovation to the next phase.

Register now for this online session and join us to learn from industry leaders, including representatives from Duisport, the Province of Limburg, CargoBeamer and IDIT among others. This event promises valuable discussions and opportunities to contribute to the future of rail freight within multimodal transport chains.

Programme

11.00h Welcome

Cecilia Braun, Director at EGTC Rhine-Alpine

11.05h Introduction

Erwin van der Linden, moderator and MultiRELOAD Project Officer at EGTC Rhine-Alpine

11.10h On the relevance of Smart Multimodal Logistics

Ton Neumann, Programme Manager Logistics at the Province of Limburg

11.20h Providing multimodal solutions: introduction of MultiRELOAD innovations

Jan-Christoph Maass, Sr. Project Manager Research and Innovation at the Port of Duisburg and project coordinator of the MultiRELOAD project

11.35h Innovation pitch I: a closer look at CargoBeamer’s CboxX rail freight solution

Dmitrij Simin, R&D Manager at CargoBeamer

11.45h  Innovation pitch II: Digital Twin for improving transparency and efficiency of transport chains

José Antonio Clemente Pérez, Tech Lead at Prodevelop

11.55h The legal framework of Multimodal Logistics and the need for harmonization

Gaëlle Bonjour, Legal Researcher at Institut du Droit International des Transports (IDIT)

12.10h Unlocking the potential, discussion on possible contributions

Erwin van der Linden, moderator and MultiRELOAD Project Officer at EGTC Rhine-Alpine

12.30 END 

By clicking here, you can register to receive your personal Zoom link. 

Rhine waterways hampered by heavy rainfall

Symbolic picture by distelAPPArath on Pixabay

According to navigation authorities, portions of the Rhine in southern Germany were closed to cargo transport earlier this week due to elevated water levels brought on by significant rainfall.
According to Reuters, there were restrictions on shipping over the river in the southern German cities of Mannheim and Maxau.
Elevated water levels limit the amount of overhead space that ships have to pass under bridges, which limits the number of ships that can travel to Switzerland. However, in recent years, recurrent episodes of low water levels brought on by abnormally dry summers have been the reason for shipping suspensions in the Rhine.
It is anticipated that major effects on critical commodities, such as minerals, coal, and oil products, like cereals and animal feed, will result from restrictions across this crucial maritime gateway.

The Baden-Wuerttemberg high water warning centre in South Germany states that water levels will eventually return to operable levels. Forecasts, however, suggest that Maxau won’t reopen for cargo until June 7. However, shipping is still feasible along the northern portions of the river, which pass through the important cities of Cologne and Duisburg, according to Reuters.

Source:
https://www.porttechnology.org/news/shipping-in-rhine-stifled-following-heavy-rainfall/

German states are advocating for compensation for rail freight amidst renovations

Symbolic picture by HoboTrails12AM on Pixabay

A reverse modal shift may result from the forthcoming rail renovations in Germany as it is preparing to undertake extensive rail network renovations, which will result in significant disruptions to rail freight.The competitiveness of rail is expected to be diminished, and road conveyance will become more appealing due to anticipated disruptions and additional expenses.

German states have acknowledged this and are advocating for adequate compensation for the rail freight sector.  The German states are requesting that the construction costs include the financing of diversionary and replacement routes. Die Güterbahnen, the German rail freight association, has responded in a positive manner to the states’ appeal.

The German rail freight association has indicated that the anticipated decrease in train and cargo capacities is expected to result in a significant increase in prices starting next year. Additionally, the situation is likely to be further exacerbated by detours and the subsequent expenses for personnel, energy, and vehicles.

Die Güterbahnen predicts that this will exacerbate the already precarious competitiveness of rail freight in comparison to road transportation. A reversal of the modal shift may occur as companies begin to return to truck transportation. This will impede Germany’s stated objective of transporting 25% of its products by rail by 2030.

Source:

https://www.railfreight.com/railfreight/2024/06/03/german-states-call-for-compensation-to-rail-freight-amid-renovations/