Reduced fossil energy consumption at goods transports by the use of energy-efficient transport modes such as railway

Purpose and goal

One aim was to propose measures to increase rail freight transport. An intention was to identify the reasons why transportsthat previously took place by rail was moved to modes of transport with poorer durability, such as road transport, and how a downscaling of capillary infrastructure affected this. One aim was to show potentials for increasing the utilization of the railway system. A case study about steel scrap showed how the railway has lost market share as a result of downsizing of capillary infrastructure but that it is possible to regain market share through stated initiatives.

Expected results and effects

An expected effect is that development efforts are initiated with the aim of increasing the share of rail transport in the mapped areas, which include transport of steel scrap and sawmill products. Development efforts applies, for example, to scrap transport systems by rail. Thats will also expected with the intention of creating logistics and technology systems that strengthen the role of railway as a future carrier and logistics operator for sawmill products, such as wood products and chips. An expected outcome is that an increased amount of goods in future will be transported by rail.

Planned approach and implementation

The project has taken an exploratory approach and started with the collection of background facts, including qualitatively through interviews. A quantitative study included mapping and analysis of certain goods flows. Development paths, as well as system and technology solutions, were set up for certain applications, after which the different arrangements were evaluated. The project has included literature studies, an inventory, of rail-based transport systems in a number of industries and approaches to potential and realizable future rail-based freight transport systems.