Port-City Shared Areas to Improve Freight Transport Sustainability

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to propose a methodological framework to evaluate the reuse of areas located close to the port as “retro-port”, in order to reduce the externalities caused by Ro-Ro freight terminal operation and the burden of freight deliveries in urban areas. In this regard, an analysis of the main variables involved in this process is presented, with reference to terminal traffic, terminal capacity, accessibility to the port and freight handling infrastructures. The results of this research constitute the base to support and improve urban logistics activities, rethinking the use of elements and areas that characterize the port and its surroundings. These findings pave the way for further research related to the design and dimensioning of retro-port and the realistic implementation of an urban consolidation centre.