Posted: November 17th, 2023

Advancing Intermodalism through Innovative Shortsea, Roll-on/Roll-off and Ferries for Hinterland Connectivity

Advancing Intermodalism through Innovative Shortsea, Roll-on/Roll-off and Ferries for Hinterland Connectivity

Intermodalism is the concept of using different modes of transportation to move goods or passengers from origin to destination in an efficient, safe and sustainable way. Intermodalism can reduce costs, emissions, congestion and accidents, as well as improve service quality and reliability. However, intermodalism also faces many challenges, such as lack of infrastructure, coordination, standardization and regulation.

One of the potential solutions to overcome these challenges is to use innovative shortsea, roll-on/roll-off and ferries for hinterland connectivity. These modes of transportation can offer flexible, fast and frequent connections between ports and inland terminals, as well as between coastal regions and islands. They can also complement or substitute other modes, such as road, rail or air, depending on the demand, distance and geography.

Shortsea shipping is the movement of cargo by sea over relatively short distances, usually within a continent or a region. Shortsea shipping can be divided into two categories: feeder services and regional services. Feeder services are used to transport containers from major ports to smaller ports, where they are transferred to other modes or vessels. Regional services are used to transport various types of cargo, such as bulk, break-bulk or project cargo, between neighboring countries or regions.

Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping is the movement of cargo by sea using vessels that have ramps or doors that allow vehicles or trailers to drive on and off the ship. RoRo shipping can be used for transporting cars, trucks, buses, trains or heavy machinery. RoRo shipping can reduce handling costs and damages, as well as increase loading and unloading speed and efficiency.

Ferries are vessels that carry passengers and/or vehicles across a body of water, usually on a regular schedule. Ferries can be used for commuting, tourism or trade purposes. Ferries can also provide access to remote or isolated areas that are not connected by other modes of transportation.

The benefits of using shortsea, RoRo and ferries for hinterland connectivity are manifold. First, they can reduce the environmental impact of transportation by lowering fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution. According to a study by the European Commission (2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers), shortsea shipping emits 18% less CO2 per ton-kilometer than road transport and 39% less than air transport. Similarly, RoRo shipping emits 13% less CO2 per ton-kilometer than road transport and 36% less than air transport. Ferries also emit less CO2 per passenger-kilometer than road or air transport.

Second, they can improve the economic competitiveness of transportation by lowering operational costs, increasing capacity and reliability, and enhancing customer satisfaction. According to a study by the International Transport Forum (2020), shortsea shipping can reduce transport costs by 20% compared to road transport and by 50% compared to air transport. RoRo shipping can also reduce transport costs by 20% compared to road transport and by 40% compared to air transport. Ferries can also reduce travel time and costs for passengers and vehicles.

Third, they can foster social cohesion and regional integration by connecting people and places across borders and cultures. According to a study by the European Parliament (2021), shortsea shipping contributes to the development of the European Single Market by facilitating trade flows and reducing administrative barriers. RoRo shipping also supports the European Single Market by enabling the free movement of goods and people. Ferries also promote social inclusion and cultural diversity by providing mobility opportunities for all segments of society.

However, there are also some challenges and barriers that hinder the development and implementation of shortsea, RoRo and ferries for hinterland connectivity. Some of these challenges are:

– Lack of adequate infrastructure: Many ports and terminals lack the necessary facilities, equipment and space to accommodate shortsea, RoRo and ferries services. For example, some ports do not have enough berths, cranes or storage areas for containers or vehicles. Some terminals do not have enough access roads, rail links or parking spaces for trucks or trailers.
– Lack of coordination: There is often a lack of coordination between different actors involved in intermodal transportation, such as port authorities, terminal operators, shipping companies, logistics providers, customs agencies or regulators. This can lead to inefficiencies, delays or conflicts in the planning, operation or management of shortsea, RoRo and ferries services.
– Lack of standardization: There is often a lack of standardization in terms of technical specifications, operational procedures or regulatory frameworks for shortsea, RoRo and ferries services. For example, some vessels may not comply with safety or environmental standards. Some procedures may not follow best practices or international conventions. Some regulations may differ from country to country or region to region.
– Lack of awareness: There is often a lack of awareness among potential users or customers about the benefits and opportunities of shortsea, RoRo and ferries services. For example, some shippers may not be aware of the availability, reliability or cost-effectiveness of shortsea, RoRo or ferries services. Some passengers may not be aware of the convenience, comfort or safety of shortsea, RoRo or ferries services.

To overcome these challenges and barriers, there is a need for innovative solutions that can enhance the performance and attractiveness of shortsea, RoRo and ferries for hinterland connectivity. Some of these solutions are:

– Investing in infrastructure: There is a need for investing in the development and improvement of port and terminal infrastructure that can support shortsea, RoRo and ferries services. For example, some ports may need to expand their capacity, upgrade their equipment or optimize their layout. Some terminals may need to improve their access, connectivity or security.
– Enhancing coordination: There is a need for enhancing the coordination and collaboration between different actors involved in intermodal transportation, such as port authorities, terminal operators, shipping companies, logistics providers, customs agencies or regulators. This can be achieved by establishing platforms, networks or agreements that can facilitate information exchange, communication or cooperation.
– Promoting standardization: There is a need for promoting the standardization and harmonization of technical specifications, operational procedures or regulatory frameworks for shortsea, RoRo and ferries services. This can be achieved by adopting common standards, guidelines or rules that can ensure safety, quality or compatibility.
– Raising awareness: There is a need for raising the awareness and education among potential users or customers about the benefits and opportunities of shortsea, RoRo and ferries services. This can be achieved by conducting campaigns, events or trainings that can showcase the advantages, features or best practices of shortsea, RoRo or ferries services.

In conclusion, shortsea, RoRo and ferries are innovative modes of transportation that can advance intermodalism and improve hinterland connectivity. They can offer environmental, economic and social benefits for both cargo and passenger transportation. However, they also face some challenges and barriers that need to be addressed by investing in infrastructure, enhancing coordination, promoting standardization and raising awareness.

References:

European Commission. (2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers). Study on the Analysis and Evolution of International and EU Shipping. Retrieved from https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/2f4c9fbb-0f03-11ea-8c1f-01aa75ed71a1

International Transport Forum write my essay. (2020). Transport Outlook 2020. Retrieved from https://www.itf-oecd.org/sites/default/files/docs/transport-outlook-2020.pdf

European Parliament. (2021). Short Sea Shipping in Europe: State of Play and Future Challenges. Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2021/690603/EPRS_BRI(2021)690603_EN.pdf

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