Deliverable 1.2 – Standard framework for describing European intermodal transport, authored by Eric Feyen and Rémi Penet from UIRR, as part of Task 1.2 provides an in-depth analysis of the European intermodal transport ecosystem, focusing particularly on road-rail Combined Transport (CT) and its role within European logistics and rail freight. It highlights the growing importance of intermodal rail freight in Europe, which, in 2023, accounted for 143,000 million tonne-kilometres, despite facing recent declines due to economic challenges and trade shifts.
Deliverable D1.2 establishes a comprehensive framework that aims to enhance understanding of intermodal transport, aligning with definitions and terminology from European Directives and official glossaries such as UNECE and EUROSTAT. It offers a simplified yet standardised definition of intermodal and combined transport, aiming to streamline industry operations and improve interoperability. It also provides a detailed catalogue of existing technical norms (EN, ISO, TSIs) and industry specifications (UIC) related to wagons, lines and intermodal loading units (ILUs). It also offers an exhaustive description of key stakeholders, legislation, and support mechanisms for national intermodal networks across Europe. This information serves as a vital tool for both operators and policymakers seeking to navigate the complexities of intermodal transport in the region.
A significant finding from the analysis is the increasing involvement of shippers, terminal operators, and port operators—traditionally customers or suppliers of subservices for CT trains—in the combined transport market. These stakeholders are increasingly establishing subsidiaries to function as CT operators, thus gaining greater control over their operations and unlocking new revenue streams. This trend is especially noticeable among maritime shippers, where some have even set up their own railway undertakings and intermodal operators. This allows them to reduce costs while broadening service offerings, including providing rail options to third parties. Additionally, the outsourcing of CT operations has given rise to new providers that serve external users, further boosting rail capacity and reinforcing the business model of combined transport.
The report also sheds light on the importance of ILUs in facilitating seamless intermodal transport. It identifies the specific types of ILUs that are most suited for combined transport on rail wagons, including semi-trailers, ISO containers, swap bodies, and roller units. Each type of ILU is designed to meet strict European standards, ensuring compatibility across different forms of transport infrastructure. For example, semi-trailers are aligned with IRS 50596-5 and ISO/EN standards, ensuring their compatibility with rail wagons, while roller units meet IRS 50591 specifications. The detailed classification of these units and the use of codification systems like the Wagon Compatibility Code (WCC) allow for precise identification of the types of wagons and the routes they are best suited for, facilitating smoother and more efficient operations.
The deliverable also highlights the diversity of wagons used in combined transport. These include fixed pocket wagons, flat wagons with spigots, and flat wagons with pivoting frames, each tailored to different types of ILUs. Such variations enable the accommodation of a wide range of units, from standard maritime containers to non-craneable semi-trailers. The adoption of standards such as the WCCs and compliance with EU regulations, CEN and CENELEC European Standards, and UIC International Railway Solutions is vital in maintaining a harmonised and efficient intermodal network across Europe.
Another key finding of the report is the ongoing digital transformation within the intermodal transport sector. The use of digital platforms and data exchange technologies is proving essential in optimising operations and enhancing coordination among stakeholders: data accessibility, quality and accuracy are crucial components of efficient data sharing. Platforms like Transporeon, CESAR-NEXT, and Rail-Flow are facilitating real-time information exchange and offering greater visibility across the intermodal supply chain. These tools not only streamline booking and matching processes but also enable better capacity brokering, which helps optimise rail transport volume.
The deliverable also examines the role of terminals in the intermodal transport network. European terminals play a crucial role in the efficiency of intermodal transport, with their characteristics and functionality varying significantly across the continent. For instance, terminals in central Europe tend to have higher density and larger sizes, often equipped with advanced technology, while smaller terminals, more prevalent in peripheral regions, rely on mobile equipment. The deliverable underscores the importance of compliance with regulations like Directive 2012/34 and Regulation 2017/2177, which require terminal operators to publish detailed information about their facilities. Tools like the Rail Facilities Portal (RFP), the Customer Information Platform (CIP) and TENtec system play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accessibility of terminal data.
Sustainability is another central theme of the report. Intermodal transport, particularly rail, is recognised for its potential to reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption compared to road transport. The analysis reveals that shifting from road to combined rail-road transport can result in CO2 reductions of up to 45%, with some studies suggesting a reduction of up to 90% on certain routes. The report also highlights various sustainability tools and references, including ECOTRansIT, CE Delft’s guidelines, and CountEmissionEU, which help assessing and mitigating the environmental impact of transport activities. These tools support more sustainable decision-making and foster a shift towards greener transport options.
In conclusion, this deliverable identifies significant trends, such as the increasing involvement of large shipping companies as CT operators and stresses the need for further standardisation and interoperability across the sector. It advocates for the adoption of a unified codification system for intermodal transport into an existing legislative framework and calls for greater alignment of regulations to support the growth and efficiency of combined transport. With the European Union’s TEN-T policy pushing for improved infrastructure and regulatory alignment, the future of intermodal rail freight looks promising, particularly in terms of sustainability and operational efficiency.
Funded by the European Union under GA number 101104072. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.