Weastflows case study: 04
Intermodal route planner
A multi-modal freight terminal
Transport companies, shippers and forwarders use a wide variety
As part of the pilot, the IRP was trialled by two intermodal transport
of ICT systems to improve their business operations, but smart ICT
operators based in the Netherlands.
solutions can also help streamline entire freight transport supply chains. Weastflows partners CQM, INFORIT and Mobycon from the
Transnational engagement
Netherlands have worked together to develop an online Intermodal
Weastflows project partners and other logistics stakeholders from
Route Planner (IRP) to help ensure greater efficiency of freight
across NWE provided feedback on the system. This feedback has
deliveries and make better use of existing infrastructure capacity
been incorporated to improve the IRP. The evaluation process has
across North West Europe (NWE).
been undertaken using a questionnaire on usability and possible problems encountered. Qualitative feedback was also provided
The IRP is a freely available resource to identify and plan optimal,
through a series of interviews with project partners and other
more efficient and cost-effective journeys through more sustainable
stakeholders.
freight routes. Based on Open Street Map (an editable map of the world) and real data from providers, the IRP calculates the fastest
Results and benefits
freight route by road, rail and sea against estimated journey times
A range of real journeys undertaken by the two transport companies
across Europe, and provides associated costs. It is the first online
to a variety of European destinations were tested. These journeys
route planner to allow different combinations of journey for all
were then compared to the same routes through the IRP to see how
modes across Europe and which provides cost estimates. This
the system could create efficiencies in practice.
integrated approach helps freight providers find feasible alternatives to road transport, therefore reducing CO2 emissions and air pollution.
Following the trial, the final report outlining the results will be available later this year.
The database of the IRP was informed by an extensive market study to understand freight movement and opportunities to increase use of intermodal connections by transport companies, shippers and forwarders. The data from comprehensive transport schedules of different operators was also input to help inform decision making.
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Intermodal route planner
Freight containers
The intermodal route planner
Lessons and recommendations
• Currently, there isn’t a standardised
Post the initial trial period, there are a
description across Europe that defines
number of lessons and recommendations
available intermodal services in a format
that can be drawn from feedback:
that enables automatic upload. This
• As open source software, OpenStreetMap
information needs to be input manually
is continually developing and
from datasets, meaning data collection
updating with more information.
cannot be automated. This is an issue that
With more companies using the IRP
needs to be addressed at European policy
and uploading their data, this could provide an opportunity to create a more
level. • The trial indicates that the IRP could
comprehensive, integrated platform.
become a commercially viable operational
The trial demonstrates what can be done
planning tool. The next steps in
if rolled out at scale across Europe and
development could include:
beyond, creating connections across
• up to date real-time timetables,
the globe.
including temporary disruptions across
• To improve the IRP and allow transport organisations to make informed decisions about journeys, enhanced data could include live traffic information such as road closures during holiday periods,
Europe • information on restriction for height, width and weight on routes • availability of power supply for reefer containers
road works, height of tunnels and
• opening hours of terminals
environmental restrictions in cities.
• minimum time needed for delivering
• As a potential next step, publicly available
containers at terminals before departure
data could be integrated into a company’s
• average transfer time at terminals
own systems to overcome commercial
• driving time regulations.
sensitivities. The IRP technology has already been integrated into one large transport company’s planning systems, working with its own database of logistics connections and terminals. Freight transport companies have found it useful to use the IRP’s data to provide a base network of their own transport movements and routes they could use. Through the IRP, journey times and costs on particular routes can also be used in the company’s quotation and tender proposals.
Weastflows (west and east freight flows) – an INTERREG IVB North West Europe (NWE) project funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) – aimed to improve and enhance freight logistics across a west-east axis in the NWE region. The project brought together experts from all sectors of the freight transport industry to work towards connecting supply chains in the region with the wider freight network across the rest of Europe and Asia. Through a combination of freight mapping, innovative technology and a drive to promote sustainable logistics, Weastflows has worked to generate a step-change in the industry. This helps deliver economic, social and environmental benefits to both communities and businesses across the region. Lead partners • CRITT Transport et Logistique (FR) • Institute for Sustainability (UK) Partners • Agence d’Urbanisme de la Région du Havre et de l’Estuaire de la Seine (AURH) (FR) • Beter Bereikbaar Zuidoost-Brabant (BBZOB) (NL) • Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM) (NL) • Centre for Quantitative Methods (CQM) (NL) • Communication and Tracking Services (CTS) (FR) • InforIT (NL) • Institut du Droit International des Transports (IDIT) (FR) • Intermodality (UK) • Irish Exporters Association (IEA) (IE) • Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) (IE) • Liverpool John Moores University (LOOM) (UK) • Logistique Seine-Normandie (LSN) (FR) • Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) (LU) • Mobycon (NL) • Portsmouth International Port (UK) • South East Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) (UK) • Transports Terrestres Promotion Northern France (i-Trans) (FR) • Universität Duisburg-Essen (UNI-DUE) (DE) • University of Science and Technology of Lille (USTL-LAGIS) (FR) • Verband Region Rhein-Neckar (VRRN) (DE)
For further information, please contact: Institute for Sustainability 49-51 East Road, London N1 6AH, UK T: +44 (0) 20 7517 1830 E: info@instituteforsustainability.org.uk www.weastflows.eu
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