At European level, the search for solutions to improve logistics efficiency and reduce carbon emissions is being prioritised. In this regard, the integration of river and rail transport offers many advantages.
With a multimodal vision of freight transport, it optimizes the network of terminals and platforms. Freight and logistics services become more efficient throughout Europe. The combination of rail and waterway thus contributes to a greener and less costly supply chain.
The advantages of river and rail multimodality
Logistics specialists have everything to gain by using a combined mode of transport between river and rail. This multimodal transport offers a reliable and robust solution for transporting goods across France and Europe. In addition to the road network, its integration benefits from port and rail infrastructures for greater efficiency. It helps reduce transport costs and carbon emissions on a daily basis.
Container freight service by rail or waterway is a guarantee of regularity and reliability. Like the port of Marseille Fos, river and rail links represent a strategic advantage for logistics and transport professionals . Already well developed, these networks offer cost-effective and more environmentally friendly solutions than road transport alone.
Various multimodal terminals along the Rhine and Seine also contribute to rapid and efficient integration. They allow several tons of products to circulate every day, promoting economic development. They offer logistics players the opportunity to opt for more sustainable modes of transport.
To help create and expand multimodal platforms, the government has set up aid . In France and Europe, they provide support to any initiative that combines river and rail transport services.
Challenges for developing multimodal river and rail transport
It is certain that multimodal transport that combines rail and river has serious advantages. However, its integration into the European logistics network faces operational and regulatory challenges.
With differences in timetables, road, rail and river services must be synchronised. A real difficulty for transport operators without the support of specific platforms or a perfectly equipped multimodal terminal. The storage and loading of containers is an imperative for the transport of goods.
Specific regulations in different countries hamper the fluidity of multimodal freight across the territory. From safety standards to container dimensions, they should be standardized to gain efficiency.
Whether it is a port or a terminal, modernization of facilities and rail networks is necessary. They must be able to support increasing volumes of traffic. Government aid is therefore essential to reduce the costs of these improvements.
For optimal operation, a massive adoption of advanced technological solutions is necessary. They allow to optimize the management of multimodal logistics operations, reporting systems and real-time tracking. This allows to set up a more ecological logistics solution thanks to multimodal transport.
economic and environmental implications of multimodality
The adoption of multimodal transport in France and in Europe has significant economic and environmental implications. This particularly concerns rail and river transport, whose CO2 emissions are lower than road transport.
Much less polluting, rail and waterways are more environmentally friendly. The quantities of greenhouse gases per tonne of freight are significantly reduced . Given the high demand for ecological transport, they are a way to satisfy customers while complying with carbon reduction targets.
The use of river and rail allows the transport of goods without increasing the pressure on the road network. A real benefit for air quality and the fight against global warming. The multiplication of platforms and terminals is becoming crucial to facilitate more sustainable multimodal transport. These solutions encourage the development of greener logistics that stimulate the economy of the entire territory.
Multimodal transport helps reduce the costs of a supply chain that combines waterways and rail. A real advantage for logistics operators who rely on ports and terminals to transport their containers. For both supply and delivery, large quantities of goods are moved more economically and environmentally friendly.
River and rail multimodality is a more sustainable solution for freight transport in Europe. It allows for more efficient logistics while meeting current ecological challenges. The many investments underway in this sector offer logistics and transport managers in companies different opportunities.