The Resilience of the Rail System for International Freight in Öresund Region in Case of Major Disruptions

Abstract: Rail Transport has held an important place in the European economy. Several problems plague rail freight. We frequently hear about train disruptions, whether it is due to a signal failure or an infrastructure breakdown, most of which have caused significant issues for both passengers and cargo. One of the primary reasons disruptions have such a significant impact on the railway system is limited redirections for trains. Taking this into account, we investigate the resilience of rail systems for international freight in the Öresund region. The Öresund area divides Denmark and Sweden via a small strait fixed link consisting of a bridge, a tunnel, and the artificial island of Peberholm. To avoid impeding freight traffic in the case of the Öresund bridge, we investigate two alternative fixed links where traffic may be routed if the bridge closes. The first proposal is LC Link (Europaspåret), which will connect Landskrona (Sweden) and Copenhagen (Denmark) with double track. Another alternative for the second fixed link is the HH rail connection between Helsingborg (Sweden) and Helsingör (Denmark) across the Öresund region. After the Fehmarn Belt link between Germany and Denmark, the infrastructure in the Öresund region should be strong enough to accommodate increased freight train capacity. Several methods have been used to assess the system’s robustness and resilience in terms of capacity. This master’s thesis employs both qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods. For the investigation, we employ Planimate simulation software and simulation models based on potential scenarios. A timetable for 2040 is developed based on the current number of trains passing through Öresund. The capacity constraints were selected depending on the resistance offered by the other routes. According to the research findings, more significant capacity limitations would eventually increase freight train queuing. The results from the simulation indicate that the LC link is the most robust and resilient option for the second fixed connection over the Öresund bridge. The data also indicate that when additional capacity restraints are applied, more crowding is seen for the HH connection, better suited for passenger traffic. The research also offers insight into the meso - models for modelling freight traffic.