Alpine Innovation for Combined Transport

Project overview

The Alps are a sensitive ecosystem that needs to be protected from environmental pollution and the effects of climate change. The continued growth in freight traffic volumes is having a negative impact on the environment. This trend underlines the need to review existing transport systems and develop innovative models to protect the Alpine Space (AS) as laid out, for example, in the EU White Paper 2011. The express objective of EUSALP is to promote environmentally friendly transport and establish more efficient freight transport corridors. Yet, the efficiency of Combined Transport (CT) is often low. The aim of the Alpine Innovation for Combined Transport (AlpInnoCT) project, therefore, is to adress the main challenge of increasing CT efficiency and productivity. The application of manufacturing expertise (which is ideal to improve processes) to CT is a new approach which involves analysing existing strategies, policies and processes focusing on CT. This will enable AlpInnoCT to contribute to establishing a sustainable system with easier access to CT and promote the uptake of this low-carbon transport mode.

The approach will lead to the following deliverables:

1. Description of the state of the art of the European transport system with a focus on CT
2. Recommendations for an ideal CT model concept through transfer of manufacturing industry knowhow
3. Guidelines for the integration of innovative intermodal approaches into daily CT business
4. Alpine-wide dialogue platform for sharing information and ideas between the worlds of business, politics and society.
5. Toolbox of action (handbook)

Logistics service providers will benefit from improved processes and easier access to CT. Wagon & semi-trailer manufacturers will obtain insights into CT innovations. NGOs and institutions will gain access to a dialogue platform where they can state their interests and demonstrate their awareness of CT innovations. Politicians and decision makers will be better prepared to define the future CT framework with a view to the environment. As transport occors within the AS network, the contents of the project will be developed in a unique transnational public-private partnership.