LO-PINOD

Institute’s role: Lead partner

Background: LO-PINOD (Logistics Optimisation for Ports Intermodality: Network, Opportunities, Development) aims to challenge existing thinking on freight distribution and offer more sustainable and efficient alternatives. By improving shortsea routes, local ports and their inland connections, LO-PINOD activity is designed to encourage more freight to be distributed by sea. This can help reduce over-reliance on road transport, lessen the environmental impact of supply chains and deliver social and economic benefits to communities and businesses across the North Sea region.

Challenge: Globalisation and an increasing demand for goods and commodities have led to a growing requirement for freight transport in Europe. Freight movement by road is causing congestion on the main transport routes and around the larger hub ports, increasing the need to review how freight can be moved more efficiently and sustainably.

Activity: LO-PINOD partners will focus on improving accessibility to more isolated regions, lessening the environmental impact of freight transport and spreading growth and opportunity outside of the major port hub areas of the North Sea Region. Project activity falls into the following areas:

1. Improving multi-modal landside links: Enhancing sustainable connections of rail and shortsea shipping between the ports and surrounding areas will enable local ports to offer a more attractive and viable service to the freight transport sector. LO-PINOD partners Ridham Sea Terminals and Kilbride in the UK and the Port of Esbjerg in Denmark are seeking to develop new rail connections to link their port with their national rail network.
2. Enhancing access by sea: Developing new and innovative shortsea routes will help to take freight off the congested road network. The Ports of Bodo, Drammen, Hantsholm, Harlingen and Oostende are working together to develop a new shortsea-based supply chain for fresh produce in the region.
3. Developing regional ports: Diversifying into new business areas will ensure local ports remain competitive and relevant. Exploring new opportunities and investing in upgrading port infrastructure is crucial to help increase maritime and logistics activities. The Port of Karlshamn is investing substantially in expanding logistics services for different types of renewable energy. Brunsbuttel ports are also examining the feasibility partnering with nearby regional ports to construct and maintain offshore wind energy facilities. The Port of Oostende has also built a heavy-load quay to operate as a base for wave and tidal energy.
4. Improving linkages with towns: Due to their long history, many ports find themselves the custodians of ancient and architecturally important buildings and structures. LO-PINOD partners including the Port of Drammen have heritage buildings within their estates have been working to identify how they can be utilised in a modern context. The port has transformed its oldest warehouse, built in 1926, into a maritime museum. A programme with local schools is currently underway to organise visits to learn about Drammen's maritime heritage and the ports modern operations.

With an emphasis on optimising the capabilities, capacity and potential of local ports, the project encourages better cooperation and knowledge-sharing between project partners.

From the knowledge gained from the project, the Institute will also be seeking to influence national and EU policy on the benefits of better use of shortsea shipping and local port infrastructure.

For more information on LO-PINOD visit  www.lopinod.eu 

Partners: The Institute is one of 17 organisations from across the North Sea Region: