Integrating environmental performance in a logistic approach to short sea shipping - a case study

Other conference contribution, 2002

Transport by road is the most dominant mode of transportation in Europe today. An increased use of short sea shipping can balance the European transport system and contribute to a better environmental situation. The aim of this study is to identify and explore some characteristics of short sea shipping and to find general logistic weaknesses in the concept. By using a total logistic management approach, this study shows how short sea shipping is a competitive option with high environmental performance. We present a comparative study between different modes of transportation. A fictitious case of transportation of cargo between the Lake Vänern area in Sweden and Duisburg in Germany is set up and evaluated. The intermodal network between these two regions includes road, rail and shipping. The logistic quality of the total transport chain is measured as a weighted sum of performance parameters such as transport time, transport cost, frequency and flexibility, reliability, logistic management and service, environmental impact and political acceptability. The scope of the study is narrow, but by employing systems engineering techniques, interesting conclusions regarding a strengthened role of short sea shipping in a future European transport system has been made possible.