Green corridors in european surface freight logistics

Abstract

In the European Commission’s Freight Transport Logistics Action Plan of 2007, a number of short- to medium-term actions are presented that will help Europe address its current and future challenges, and ensure a competitive and sustainable freight transport system there. One action is the “Green transport corridors for freight”. A Green Corridor is characterized by a concentration of freight traffic between major hubs and by relatively long distances of transport. Green Corridors should in all ways be environmentally friendly, safe and efficient. Green technologies and smart utilization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), where available, may even improve those corridors. Where not available, new R&D may be required to further develop what is needed. Given the above policy goals, project “SuperGreen” has been launched. This is Coordination and Support Action co-funded by the European Commission in the context of the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development, and coordinated by the National Technical University of Athens. The project involves 22 partners from 13 European countries. The purpose of this chapter is to address the key issues involved in the development of Green Corridors for European Freight Logistics, describe the Super Green project, and give an overview of main results to date.