The aim of the project is to complete a pilot in the form of a digital tool for decision support in order to identify most relevant intermodal routes to and from Sweden. The aim is to include short sea, rail and road traffic links. The tool will enable calculation of lead times, cost, climate impact (GHG) and energy use for each load carrier and route. Hence enable a fact-based benchmark of various alternative solutions in order to select the most appropriate transport chain. The ambition is to highlight how various sustainability factors can and should play a greater role in decision-making of how the final supply transport chain should be designed and potentially enable solutions with less climate impact meanwhile other requirements are fulfilled.

The tool aims to bridge the knowledge gap that exists among shippers´ regarding the supply and use of intermodal short sea shipping solutions in an intermodal transport chain. This knowledge gap has been repeatedly identified in surveys carried out 2018 and 2019 by Maritime Forum and Short Promotion Centre.

By developing a pilot digital tool, we intend to convince stakeholders of the value in order to carry on in a second step and move on to a full-scale model with opportunities to further develop the tool with more sustainability aspects.

By “pilot” we mean a collaboratively design in a digital test platform where existing data is linked to critical decision-making processes. The tool shall support the choice of intermodal transport links for an efficient supply of goods. The pilot also intends to demonstrate methods and conditions for users’ incorporation of the test platform. Through numerous interviews with shipper´s and logistic service providers the actual requirements will be identified.

Within the framework of the project, aspects such as redundancy, relief of road and railway systems and the benefits of shipping regarding energy efficiency will also be included. In addition, there is a potential of increased transport efficiency through the arrival of more ports around the coast, motivated by balanced flows of goods and new positioning possibilities for carriers.

Results and progress will be shared to participting parties during project progress and in a final report and a pilot decision tool.