Towards Sustainable Transport: A case study on modal shift for temperature-controlled goods between northern Norway and central Europe

Abstract: In line with the ambitious sustainability goals set by the European Union to reduce transport emissions, there is a growing interest for sustainable freight transport across Europe. Rail transportation has emerged as a preferred mode of choice for shippers and freight forwarders, given its sustainability advantage of transporting larger volumes on longer distances. Norway currently observes growing need for transport of fresh fish to main markets in Europe and stakeholders have identified the possibility to combine this southbound flow with the imports of fresh fruits and groceries to an efficient temperature-controlled transport network on rail. Using a multi-stakeholder approach, this study aims to examine current opportunities and challenges for increasing the use of existing rail networks in an intermodal road-rail transport solution, focusing on the transport of temperature-controlled goods between northern Norway and central Europe. The results provide a proposition of what is required by different stakeholders to realise the modal shift. Using a case study method, qualitative data has been gathered from semi-structured interviews with representatives of 12 companies either participating or interested in the studied modal shift project, frequent meetings with the project group and document analysis. The main findings suggest that the foreseen increase in production volumes in northern Norway, interest and pressure to make logistics operations more sustainable and the possibility to utilise load units are important opportunities to extend the use of rail transport on the studied network. Existing challenges are related to the experienced lower level of reliability and flexibility of rail transport, ultimately impacting its lead time and economic attractiveness. Results also present several challenges related to goods flow and load unit imbalance. Finally, it has been concluded that strengthened collaboration, first mover risk-taking, enhanced prioritisation for freight and harmonisation of rail transport in Europe are the main requirements by stakeholders to realise the modal shift.