A Review of Port Initiatives to Promote Freight Modal Shifts in Europe: Evidence from Port Governance Systems

This study analyses how port governance systems in Europe have influenced the implementation of port initiatives focused on promoting modal shifts in freight transportation. Through a comprehensive review of port strategies, this research identified 49 individual modal shift initiatives among 21 por...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Marta Gonzalez-Aregall, Kevin Cullinane, Inge Vierth
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-05-01
Series:Sustainability
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/11/5907
Description
Summary:This study analyses how port governance systems in Europe have influenced the implementation of port initiatives focused on promoting modal shifts in freight transportation. Through a comprehensive review of port strategies, this research identified 49 individual modal shift initiatives among 21 port authorities in Europe. The results show that ports located in the Northern regions and managed by local governments, particularly in Belgium and the Netherlands, are leaders in executing strategies for modal shifts in freight transportation. Technological solutions and promoting intermodal transportation were found to be the most popular initiatives used to promote hinterland movements of freight by rail and waterborne transportation.
ISSN:2071-1050