Two sustainable transport and logistics projects launched

The Institute is leading on two major EU funded collaborative projects set to make the transport and logistics sector across Europe more sustainable and efficient. The two projects will be launched at events on 9 and 10 December, when all the European partners will be together in London.

Transport and logistics isn't just about getting goods or people from one place to another, it is a cornerstone for economic sustainability and growth. However, as transport is responsible for almost a quarter of the CO₂ emissions produced in the UK each year, there is a huge opportunity to make the sector much more environmentally sustainable and economically productive.

Ed Metcalfe, Director of Research and Business Development said: "As transport is key to sustainable cities and with water transport responsible for only one fifth of the carbon footprint of road freight, we are leading on these two projects to help shape learning and solutions in this area."

i-Transfer project

Focussing on the North Sea region, the €4.5 million iTransfer (Innovative Transport Solutions for Fjords, Estuaries and Rivers) project aims to improve water-based public transport and accessibility by encouraging the development of new technology, including a pollution-free ferry demonstrator for the Thames. Transport policy issues will also be addressed at national and EU level.

Concentrating on ferries as sustainable means of transport and taking into account the passenger ferry market demand, the i-Transfer partners will work together across different regions and sectors to develop new ship design, which will be adapted for eco-fuel, to offer the potential for alternative and accessible public transport.

Lo-Pinod project

Globalisation has led to increased competition, congestion and pollution across main transport corridors. The €8 million Lo-Pinod (Logistics Optimisation for Ports Intermodality: Network, Opportunities, Development) project aims to increase the accessibility, functionality, capacity and potential of regional ports to create a more balanced and efficient transport network.

By making regional ports more accessible, sustainable and competitive, Lo-Pinod is designed to deliver wider economic and social benefits to the communities in these regions, such as safeguarding existing jobs and creating new employment.

"These projects bring together partners from countries within the Interreg North Sea Region Programme, including Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and the UK.  The projects will encourage collaborative and efficient working within these transnational partnerships. The outcome of both these transport projects is ultimately to provide solutions and learning to inform the UK and partner countries to help deliver sustainable cities and support sustainable production and consumption in this key sector" he added.

Both projects will receive 50% funding from the European Regional Development Fund and will conclude by the end of 2013.