Better freight systems to boost growth and multimodality in port cities
The five CIVITAS PORTIS living labs of Antwerp, Aberdeen, Trieste, Constanta and Klaipeda are joining forces to use smart plans and tools to make movement of freight in their cities cleaner, more efficient and better integrated with other modes of transport as well as clearing bottlenecks, freeing up space and reducing environmental hazards.
As part of the project, the Port of Antwerp is developing an integrated truck guidance system to reduce traffic congestion in the port area. Meanwhile, the City of Antwerp is introducing the “Smart ways to Antwerp” strategy, which encourages local companies to bring in innovative sustainable logistic solutions in and around Antwerp to cut down rush hour congestion.
Aberdeen City Council is managing traffic of trucks and lorries to help to get goods delivered more quickly and efficiently. Well-planned deliveries depend on accurate traffic information, which is why the city will provide freight companies with predictions and live traffic data. Better route planning and operation will help improve of air quality and help freight move more quickly through Aberdeen.
Through CIVITAS PORTIS, the Trieste Port Authority will extend the fibre-optic network in port areas to better coordinate freight movement, which will in turn help reduce traffic congestion and save money.
The Port in Klaipeda is a major transport hub in Lithuania and is constantly growing, which increases freight transport in the city. This calls for analysis and management in order to establish optimal traffic management in Klaipeda City.
Finally, Constanta is mapping freight traffic flows and designing a distribution plan. The city will also consider and analyse the option of converting existing areas in the northern part of the Port of Constanta into logistical centres due to their location close to the city centre. to help improve freight distribution.
For more information, visit the PORTIS project page.
Author: Ingrid Breisner
