Intermodal road-rail transport in Sweden - on the path to sustainability

• Intermodal road-rail freight transport has long been seen as playing a key role in reducing CO2 emissions from freight transport. The reduction of CO2 emission is of great importance to reduce the greenhouse effect and create a sustainable society. However, the full potential of intermodal transport for CO2 reduction remains to be determined. At first glance, the intermodal transport market has showed modest growth compared to other modes of transport, such as direct road. However, there are segments of the intermodal market, in particular in the road-rail segment that has shown significant growth during the last decade. This article looks at the potential for intermodal road-rail transport and describes the remarkable journey that has taken place in the hinterland road-rail segment, especially in Scandinavia. Furthermore, it includes a brief examination of how current trends affect the role and development of intermodal road-rail transport. Stakeholders currently face new challenges as a result of the current financial crisis and global recession, however, this article identifies a significant long-term potential for modal shift related to the competitiveness of the road-rail intermodal transport segment. This article also outlines the trends that are likely to realise the identified potential for modal shift and the road-rail intermodal market in Scandinavia. Based on previous research, a study has been conducted in Sweden on the potential reduction of CO2 from intermodal transport. The potential of intermodal freight transport has been determined, the associated of CO2 reduction estimated and the potential effect of future trends in the industry has been examined. Modelling has been performed using the Heuristics Intermodal Transport Model, HIT-model, on the national Swedish transport system and detailed modelling for the rail shuttles system of Dry Ports in Sweden. To elaborate on the potential identified, the Swedish segment of hinterland road-rail transport and Dry Ports are examined in more detail, as well as future trends and challenges related to intermodal transport. The current intermodal transport system in Sweden (including port related shuttles) has a 4% market share (4.1 billion tonnekm) and, thus, results in a reduction of 160 000 tonnes CO2 annually compared to if all-road transport had been used. The segment of port related hinterland road-rail transport constitutes about 25% of that CO2 reduction. The identified theoretical potentials for intermodal road-rail freight transport and modal shift is up to 50% of the long-haul transport or 1.6 million tones CO2 using current technology. The Swedish segment of hinterland road-rail transport could constitute a large part of that potential as strategic scenarios indicate possible emission reductions of up to 500 000 tonnes of CO2 within a foreseeable future. In sum, modal shift using current technology have a great potential for decreasing CO2 emissions. The growing segment of hinterland road-rail transport will most probably constitute an important role in achieving this potential. With the help of alternative rail engines, handling equipment, changed operating philosophy, new load unit types, etc. the emission reduction potential may be even greater.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Ekonomi och näringsliv -- Företagsekonomi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Economics and Business -- Business Administration (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Intermodal transport

Modeling

Sustainability

Combined transport

Dryports

terminals

terminal handling

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)