Rotterdam, Bavaria Launch Intermodal Research

Good connections between seaports and the hinterland are vital for optimizing the logistic chain. The Port of Rotterdam Authority and the Bayernhafen Gruppe are therefore working together in the ‘Bayrolo’ research program. The aim of this cross-border project is to further improve intermodal container transport between Bavaria and the port of Rotterdam. By taking containers off the road and shipping them by barge and rail, cargo flows will be able to continue growing and the port of Rotterdam will be able to offer the German inland ports an alternative seaport.

The Port of Rotterdam Authority and the Bayernhafen Gruppe will act as moderator and initiator in transferring transport to rail and inland shipping. Within this process, market-oriented services, flexible solutions and a constant dialogue between all the interested parties are important elements. Furthermore, international goods flows are changing. World trade is growing. New trade agreements and scale increases in container transport are the trend. Political developments also have an impact on the logistic chain, such as the expansion of the trans-European transport networks, the desired shift from road transport to transport by rail and inland shipping and the debate concerning the expansion of the scope of the LKW-Maut, the HGV toll in Germany.

The research is based on numerous interviews with logistic service providers and shippers. The interviews will provide insight into how Bavarian businesses organize their logistics. What services do they currently use? Which decision criteria play a role and what do shippers want and expect from intermodal connections between Bavaria and Rotterdam? The answers to these questions will be supplemented by scientific findings about the changes in the intermodal transport market.

“The logistic world is changing. We are seeing bigger ships and the formation of alliances,” said Peter ten Broek, Logistics business manager at the Port of Rotterdam Authority. “The port of Rotterdam is responding to these drivers of change by working closely with our partners to optimize the chain from Rotterdam to southern Germany. It is also important to listen to our clients in the hinterland and take note of their wishes.”

Alexander Ochs, manager at the Bayernhafen Gruppe, said, “We want to know exactly how changes in logistics are taking place. How is the logistic chain developing and how are the chain parties and shippers responding? With this knowledge, we will be able to offer even better intermodal connections in the future. The more we know about the expectations of the logistic service provider and shipper, the better we can match supply and demand.”

‘Bayrolo’ will be scientifically led by Professor Christoph Tripp from Nuremberg Institute of Technology and Professor Peter de Langen from Delft University of Technology. From Rotterdam, the research will be supported by the project partners Portbase, Keyrail, Fenex, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, RWG, ECT, APMT, EGS and TX Logistics. DB Netz, the Bavarian National Association of Forwarders (LBT), the National Association of Bavarian Forwarding Agents (LBS) and the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior, Building and Transport are closely involved in Bavaria.

The results of the Bayrolo research will be available in the first quarter of 2015 and will be presented to the market through various channels, also during Transport Logistic München from May 5-8.

bayernhafen.de

portofrotterdam.com