Towards Efficient Multimodal Hinterland Networks

Abstract

Terminal operator ECT in the port of Rotterdam sought to establish a multidisciplinary research group that would support the development of a strong multimodal hinterland network concept. This was the start of the ULTIMATE project. ULTIMATE aimed to support the development “towards efficient multimodal hinterland networks”. The Ultimate research agenda consisted of four elements: (1) The operational consequences of integrating transport and cargo handling activities for supply chains. This has resulted in efficient container stacking and barge routing algorithms. (2) Incorporating new business models in the design of hinterland networks. This delivered new insights in the role of information and pricing in hinterland networks. (3) The legal consequences of mixing transport and storage activities by container terminals. The contribution of this element is a more fundamental understanding of the importance of legal concepts in multimodal transport for different actors. (4) The role and position of the port authority vis-a-vis the activities of container terminals. This led to new insights on the role and contribution of a port authority in port and hinterland network development. This chapter discusses some of the main research outcomes of the work for these four research problems.