From West to East

The Institute for Sustainability is working on a new €9 million project to make freight and logistics in North West Europe more efficient and sustainable.  The Weastflows (West to East Flows) project will also concentrate on maintaining the region’s competitive edge as a major international freight hub.

The Institute is jointly leading Weastflows with French partner CRITT, a logistics and transport Institute based in Le Havre.  The two organisations will be working with 20 other partners from across North West Europe and 36 international observers who will share best practice and findings from across the globe.  Observers include the Institute’s sister organisation, the Sino-UK Institute for Sustainability in Shanghai.

The project is part funded by the INTERREG IVB (N.W.E) programme and aims to create a global framework for more coordinated freight distribution.  It will also develop ICT solutions to make better use of existing infrastructure and encourage a shift from over reliance on road haulage to increased use of rail and sea freight. 

In the UK, the Weastflows project will deliver upgrades to rail infrastructure at Northfleet in Kent to encourage more use of rail and shipping for freight movement.  This investment will help support and grow the area’s freight and logistics industry, improve environmental impact and support jobs and skills for local people.

Ed Metcalfe, Director of Research and Business Development said: “Transport and logistics is an important sector for the European economy and a key industry for job creation.  It is also one of the biggest carbon contributors; responsible for around a quarter of all carbon emissions in the UK.  We clearly have a huge opportunity to improve sustainability and efficiency in the sector and also ensure that the North Sea Region remains a leader in global logistics.

“As well as looking at operations within Europe, this project will take a strategic overview of the important global trade partners for the region.  One of the key influences is the growing relationship between Asia and the EU.  Our manufacturing is increasingly outsourced to China and in return there is rapidly increasing demand for European goods from the Far East market.  As a result we will be working closely with international partners, including our sister institute.”