Leeds conference “ Freight by water ”
Findings related to modal shift
Dr. Vendela Santén, SSPA (SE) and Dr. Sara Rogerson, SSPA(SE) presented their findings related to modal shift to inland waterways in Sweden. The presentation focused on barriers and how such barriers can be overcome. Interaction between many actors is important to realise modal shift. Increasing understanding among for example policy makers is of essence. Therefore communication, promotion, education, influencing opinion and proof of concept-runs are important tools.
Cargo handling equipment for pallets
Mr. Antoon van Coillie, Blue Line Logistics, presented his pallet shuttle barge concept withits own cargo handling equipment for pallets.This concept enables small waterway navigation and smaller batch sizes. The “Zulu” barges are currently sailing in Belgium and are competitive to road transport while reducing road congestions and GHG emissions. This concept inspired inland waterway stakeholders in the UK and Sweden.
A work visit Canal & River Trust
A work visit was organised by the Canal & River Trust for all IWTS partners. One of the sites visited was the Bullholme Lock, where the partner Canal River Trust is managing authority. Bullholme Lock on the Aire & Calder Navigation is one of the bottle necks that should be modified to accomodate larger ships on this waterway.
Conference presentation on identifying goods flows for modal shift
Researchers from SSPA Sweden and University of Hull have written a research paper, which was presented at the Logistics Research Network (LRN) conference. The tile of the paper is ‘Increasing the use of inland waterways–evaluating approaches for identifying goods flows for modal shift’. Dr. Vendela Santén of SSPA(SE), presented the paper in Plymouth (UK) on 9 September. She described how the University of Hull and SSPA have explored various approaches for identifying goods flows for modal shift. 
In Sweden, SSPA has analysed AIS data to map current traffic patterns on the inland waterways (lake Vänern and river Göta Älv). “Analysing AIS-data provides information regarding number of port calls, vessel types and their capacity, links between ports and the network in which vessels operates, as well as lead time, frequency, reliability and time at berth for each port”, explains Vendela.
In the UK, researchers at the University of Hull are developing software tools to visualise and simulate potential benefits of using inland waterway transport, for example with regards to CO2 emissions. The University of Hull is also undertaking an audit of all businesses whose premises are close to the waterways in the river Hull, identifying goods volumes, transhipment potential and investment that would be needed to implement a modal shift. These methods have helped identify candidate businesses for a modal shift. “Exchanging practices between the UK and Sweden and learn from each other is very valuable”, says Vendela.