Development Of Intermodal Transport Research Articles

Synchronizing train, aircraft, shuttle, and passenger flows in intermodal timetabling: A time–space network-based formulation and a decomposition algorithm using Alternating Direction method of multipliers

The design of synchronized services is of great significance to the development of intermodal transportation. In the planning of Air and High-Speed Railway (HSR) integration services (AHIS), the operators aim to synchronize flight and train schedules and determine the possible transferring options for intermodal passengers. This paper attempts to design an intermodal timetable for train and flight services considering the time-dependent passenger demand. Different transferring modes are further considered in this paper including both shuttle and rapid walking services. The synchronization problem of “train unit flows”, “aircraft flows”, “shuttle flows” and “passenger flows” is formulated using a multi-commodity flow model in a time–space network. Based on the Lagrangian relaxation method, we first decompose the original problem into four types of routing subproblems associated with train units, aircrafts, shuttle buses and passengers, respectively. Then the coordination of the four different types of flows is achieved through both the pricing mechanism and Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) method. The proposed model and solution approach are validated using both hypothetical and real-world cases and the results show that the synchronized timetables are able to serve more intermodal passengers and shorten their travelling times.

Analysis of Operational Performance of Intermodal Transport Terminals in Slovakia in the Context of Intermodal Transport Infrastructure Development in EU Countries

The development of intermodal transport and the increase in transport performance in this segment of the transport market are, among other factors, determined by the quality of transportation infrastructure. Transportation infrastructure for intermodal transport includes not only transportation routes but also nodal points where a change of transport mode occurs. These nodal points of transport mode change are intermodal transport terminals. The throughput capacity of individual components of the internal infrastructure of a terminal can be a limiting factor in determining its performance, such as the number of transshipped intermodal transport units. Therefore, it is essential to analyze the current state of operational performance of functional terminals in Slovakia and compare it with the anticipated customer requirements. Based on this analysis, it will be possible to determine the capacity utilization of terminals and, if necessary, decide either on densifying the existing network of terminals or on the relevant development of selected components of the internal infrastructure of existing terminals. The analysis is primarily focused on a critical element of the internal infrastructure of terminals, which is the performance of transshipment facilities.

Possibilities for the Development of Intermodal Transport in Slovak Republic

One of the main goals of the EU transport policy in the field of freight transport is to improve interoperability, unify technical standards and procedure support more ecological and energy efficient freight transport. In the area of freight transport, support for intermodal transport is essential. The synergistic effect created by the combination of several modes of transport has significant technological and environmental benefits. Such a supportive approach can lead to a more efficient and reliable transport of goods, thus improving the competitiveness of European freight transport. The aim of this contribution is the variants of proposals for intermodal transport support in the Slovak Republic.

Анализ выбросов парниковых газов стран BRICS и пути сокращения выбросов на железнодорожном транспорте

Purpose: To analyze greenhouse gas emissions from the BRICS countries, as well as ways to reduce emissions from rail transport. Methods: The contribution of the BRICS countries to global greenhouse gas emissions based on an array of statistical data for the period from 1990 to 2019 has been estimated. The value of CO2 emissions per unit of energy produced in the BRICS countries from 1965 to 2021, as well as the sources of CO2 emissions, have been determined. Results: It is shown that the most effective way to combat climate change is to directly reduce emissions. In general, the emissions of the railway industry depend on the level of electrification. However, when assessing not only direct but also indirect emissions, the energy source and its carbon footprint become of primary importance. The development of intermodal transportation in BRICS countries is significant because these routes have the potential to reduce emissions. Carbon regulation leads to a redistribution in the sphere of international freight transportation among BRICS countries. Competitive advantages are increasingly evident in the railway transportation sector. However, this effect depends on the measures taken to adapt to changes in the transportation market by other modes of transportation. Practical significance: Ways to improve the sustainability of transport infrastructure have been formulated. The lowcarbon transport industry in the BRICS countries can be seen as an important component in reducing gross greenhouse gas emissions given the current high level of reliance on fossil carbon fuels and the inertia driven by the long life of fossil fuel infrastructure. Without the use of negative emission technologies, the required costs for reducing greenhouse gas emissions can be 40 % higher than with the use of negative emission technologies. As part of the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by railway transport facilities in the BRICS countries, the following measures can be implemented: direct reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; introduction and implementation of technologies for negative emissions at railway transport facilities, taking into account their geospatial distribution and their specific characteristics; attracting investments and ensuring access to more affordable financing for these projects; integration of climate change mitigation issues into the strategies of transportation companies; further electrification in transportation and transitioning to alternative fuel sources; utilization of digital technologies to optimize transportation systems and reduce the environmental impact of the railway industry.

Development of intermodal transport by organizing group purchasing of transports

The purpose of the article is to recognize the contexts of intermodal transport development in Poland, with particular recognition of the factor of group purchases of this service. The aim of the research is to find out the opinions of the participants of the logistics-transportation processes on the opportunities and threats to the development of intermodal transport, and to seek opinions on the introduction of a new entity responsible for group purchasing to the market. The article is divided into four chapters. The first chapter discusses legal and financial factors supporting the development of intermodal transport in the European Union. Examples are given of countries that have made the most of this support and have good practices of their own for activating this multi-branch form of transportation. The second chapter, using secondary data, presents the dynamics of intermodal transport development in Poland. The third chapter presents the methodology of own research. Collecting and processing primary data, threats and opportunities for the development of the multi-branch form of transport in Poland were identified, and the results are presented in the four chapter. The results of own research clearly indicate the need to eliminate barriers to the development of multimodal transport in Poland (including by appointing bodies organizing transport purchases).

Exploring the Development Trend of Ports in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Based on the Intermodal Transport Development of Guangzhou Port

Nowadays, multimodal transport is developing rapidly, but the individual ports in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) have been operating separately. In this paper, the development status of multimodal transport in Guangzhou port will be used as an example to discuss the development trend of GBA ports. The study found that the multimodal transport model of the Port of Guangzhou has taken shape. However, there are still many shortcomings with old facilities, difficulties in sharing data, and a lack of unified management, which are common to all ports in the GBA. This paper aims to provide ideas for the direction of port development in GBA, hoping to enhance intermodal transport to connect the ports, improve the efficiency of freight transport and promote the formation of a unified dispatch centre for GBA ports. As a result, it is hoped that the GBA Port Management Committee will be built to achieve more efficient management.

Assessing the potential of Polish regions to develop intermodal transport

Purpose: One of the most important factors for the development of intermodal transport is the potential of the country and its regions in this respect. The purpose of the article is to assess the potential of the Polish regions for the development of intermodal transport. Design/methodology/approach: In order to achieve the stated purpose of the article, a literature review on the determinants of intermodal transport development was carried out. It allowed to extract a set of key factors influencing the potential of regions for intermodal transport development. On this basis, a synthetic index for the assessment of the region's potential for the development of intermodal transport (IRPIT - Index of the Region's Potential for Intermodal Transport) was developed, based on a taxonomic measure of development in the form of the so-called Hellwig pattern. Findings: In the conducted research, the IRPIT indicator was determined for 16 regions (provinces) of Poland. Recommendations were indicated for provinces with lower levels of the indicator. Originality/value: The article presents a methodology for assessing the potential of Polish regions for the development of intermodal transport. The advantage of the developed indicator is the ability to evaluate regions and their linear order in terms of the analysed potential. Keywords: intermodal transport, regional potential assessment, taxonomy. Category of the paper: Research paper.

Prospects for the Development of Intermodal Transport in the Visegrad Countries, Germany and Italy - Selected Aspects

The article presents the results of research on the possibilities of developing intermodal rail transport in the Visegrad Group countries, Italy and Germany. The research was conducted based on statistical data regarding demand for transport in intermodal cargo units and rail transport. Selected elements of transport infrastructure were taken into account as well, i.e. the length of railway tracks and railway lines (including electrified ones), the railway line density indicator, and the number of terminals. The study results proved that there was a noticeable development of infrastructure in Hungary which makes it a prospective market, affording the possibility for development of domestic and international transport. The biggest decrease for railway transport was observed in Germany and Poland. In the same time, in Poland there was observed the biggest increase in demand for intermodal container units (ICUs). The inverse relationship between demand for railway transport and ICUs is observed in most countries. Only in Czechia there was a parallel increase observed. It has been observed that linear and point infrastructure requires investment in electrification in most countries surveyed. These investments are important due to handling the needs of foreign trade. With the growing demand for transport and developed infrastructure, the intermodal rail transport will be able to compete with road transport. This process is consistent with the need to ensure green transport and modify transport structure into the environmental friendly one.

Efficiency of pilot transportation within the framework of the Intertran project

Background: Nowadays, the transport industry is facing non-traditional challenges for it, such as the need for digitization of transport services, increasing the mobility of transportation and reducing dependence on paper technologies for its design. At the same time, at the moment, only rail transport demonstrates high-quality development to the market with a reorientation of the geography of services and plays an important strategic role in the development of the eastern polygon, offering exactly what shippers need: regular shipments, the shortest possible time and stable prices despite the global restructuring of markets and economic fluctuations.
 Objective: to determine the relationship between the expansion of the use of digital technology and the efficiency of the development of intermodal transport. We confirm that the Intertran project allows railway companies, seaports and regulatory authorities to interact effectively.
 Methods: the methodology of the study is based on the analysis of the order of electronic interaction between seaports and railways in the process of intermodal cargo transportation through seaports using electronic documents and data. The information base of the study is based on reports of Asian and European railway companies members of the International Union of Railways, Russian and foreign forwarding companies, as well as data from the Federal Customs Service of Russia and foreign customs authorities.
 Results: as a result of the research, the participation of JSC Russian Railways in the development of innovations and the digital market environment is justified, the procedure for processing documents in electronic form within the framework of the Intertran project using mobile workstations is determined, the effects of the organization of pilot cargo transportation within the project are determined, the need to expand the digital environment of trust between participants in transport and logistics processes is established.
 Conclusion: the study confirms that the basis for the effective development of the Intertran project and the interaction of railway companies, seaports and regulatory authorities is a set of actions aimed at electronic interaction of participants in the transportation process and further optimization of processing of technological operations.

Strategic priorities of innovative transformations of maritime transportation

World trade transformations make the variability of cargo delivery logistics more strategically significant. In order to determine sector strategic priorities the authors of the article set innovative objectives of maritime transport logistics to optimize the international shipping process. The authors justify the need for innovative decisions in modern maritime logistics based on strategic analysis of the trends in transport structure of the global cargo traffic with the consideration of competitive advantages of maritime transportation. Transformations in the international trade are considered to be one of the key trends affecting the development of transport and logistics sector. The authors make use of extensive analytical material to show the way the transformation of the world trade affects the contents of the logistic schemes of maritime cargo transportation in terms of the dynamics of its quantitative indicators, commodity and geographical structure. In accordance with the study the authors conclude that the sectoral strategic development of maritime transportation ought to correspond to the innovative type of development of intermodal transportation taking into account the crucial factor of time.

Factors influencing intermodal transport efficiency and sustainability

A dynamic development of intermodal transport is observed worldwide. This development, among other issues, is related to increasing the level of transport efficiency and sustainability. That increase presents a challenge for the participants of intermodal transport systems. Therefore, there is a need to analyze the factors influencing the efficiency and sustainability of intermodal transport. The article aims to analyze these factors considering the viewpoint of transport chains participants. Ten factors influencing intermodal transport efficiency and sustainability were identified. The case study of Polish market was analyzed using marketing research tool. The questionary was developed, and the survey was carried out among the representatives of intermodal terminals located at seaports, rail-road terminals and forwarders. On the basis of collected information, it was possible to set the ranking of the particular factors. It was stated that efficient handling of cargo and transport means in transshipment terminals forms the most important factor from the practitioners’ viewpoint.

Multi-Objective Optimization of Customer-Centered Intermodal Freight Routing Problem Based on the Combination of DRSA and NSGA-III

The satisfaction of requirements and preferences of shippers is critical to enable the practicability of solutions that are derived from intermodal transportation routing problems. This study aims to propose a decision process to help shippers participate better in routing decisions. First, we considered shippers’ requests on transportation cost, timeliness, reliability, and flexibility to construct a multi-objective optimization model. Then, to solve the interactive optimization method that was proposed, NSGA-III was applied to obtain the Pareto front and dominance-based rough set approach to model the preference information. Finally, a case study was conducted and an expert was invited as decision-maker to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model and the effectiveness of the interactive method for shippers. The results are expected to provide shippers with more rational transportation schemes and insights for the sustainable development of intermodal transportation.

Development of Intermodal Transport in the EU Countries

Development of Intermodal Transport in the EU Countries

Gray Correlation Comprehensive Evaluation of Port Intermodal Transport Development Level Based on Expert Group Decision-Making Weight Optimization

This paper adopts the weight optimization method based on expert group decisionmaking technology to optimize the weights of the influencing factors affecting the development level of port intermodal transport, and then adopts the gray correlation comprehensive evaluation method to evaluate the development level of port intermodal transport in China from three aspects of supply capacity, service level and development environment. The results prove that the evaluation method is practical and effective, and can provide support for the evaluation of the development level of port intermodal transport in China.

The Selection of Intermodal Transport System Scenarios in the Function of Southeastern Europe Regional Development

The development of intermodal transportation (IT) systems is of vital importance for the sustainability of logistics activities. The existing research point at individual directions of action for system improvement and increase of IT participation in overall transportation, thus reducing negative impacts of logistics on sustainability. However, there is a lack of research defining complex scenarios that unite existing ideas and concepts of IT system development and improvement. Accordingly, this article deals with the definition and selection of the most appropriate IT development scenario for the region of Southeastern Europe. Six different potential scenarios that differ in the network configuration, the required level of logistics infrastructure development, the role of different IT terminal categories, the involvement of different transportation modes, and goods flows’ transformation degree, are defined. The scenarios are analyzed according to four stakeholder groups and twelve defined criteria. A novel hybrid multi-criteria decision-making model, based on fuzzy Delphi, fuzzy Factor Relationship (FARE), and fuzzy Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution (MARCOS) methods, is developed for solving the problem. The definition and analysis of the problem, the way of establishing the scenarios, as well as the development of a novel hybrid model are the main contributions of this article. A significant contribution is also the consideration of the Dry Port (DP) concept for the first time in the context of river ports. The results indicate that the scenario referring to the development of the IT core network with the Danube DP terminals is potentially the most appropriate scenario for the Southeastern Europe IT system.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTERMODAL FREIGHT TRANSPORT IN POLAND FROM 2007 TO 2016: BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES TO ITS FURTHER DEVELOPMENT

International transport has grown dynamically in Poland since it becomes a European Union (EU) member. This being the case, it is now, more than ever, important to identify the approaches that are most suitable for delivering sustainable freight transport to the nation. Intermodal options appear to be the most appropriate for this task. This study examines the development of intermodal freight transport in Poland from 2007 to 2016. It considers the barriers overcome and that remain to be overcome as well as identifying opportunities for further development. Initially, secondary data sourced from the Glowny Urząd Statystyczny, Urząd Transportu Kolejowego and Eurostat databases, was utilised to explore the situation. This was then reinforced by primary data collection, in the form of a survey, the aim of which being to validate the reviewed literature and the findings of the derived from the database data with the subjective perspective of the respondents. It was found that although the prevalence of intermodal transport has an upward trend in Poland its uptake remains significantly lower than in other EU member states. The major issue inhibiting the development of intermodal transport in Poland is the condition of the nation’s infrastructure. This is accompanied by an element of concern for the external costs generated by intermodal carriers. However, Poland’s participation in a range of EU funded projects that support the modernisation of its ageing infrastructure has been, and remains, a major driving force behind the ongoing development of the intermodal transportation of freight within the country.

Effectiveness of Intersectoral Competition in Shaping the Transport Market

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to identify basic factors influencing the level of effectiveness of actions taken in the intersectoral transport market. The research undertaken in this area is aimed at demonstrating the importance and impact of stimulants and obstacles in shaping a favorable model of intersectoral competition. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research was based on the available literature, analyses of statistical data and original empirical research, supplemented by industry interviews. The structure of the study was based on the selection of three transport routes and the assessment of the effectiveness and efficiency of passenger service on them, under conditions of intersectoral competition among car, rail and air transport entities. Findings: Results of empirical research showed that in the discussed market, the highest efficiency of competition was achieved in the provision of car, lower in rail and the lowest in airservices. In the resulting model of competition, a resource of basic stimulants and determinants were specified, the analysis and importance of which may be useful in improving this competition system. Practical Implications: Growing intensity of intersectoral competition increases the interest of providers in the development of intermodal transport, the need to seek innovative solutions, and in some cases, to adapt to current market requirements. New solutions must consider the improvement of the quality and completeness of a consumer service, as well as increasing the price flexibility. Originality/Value: Results of the conducted research indicate that enterprises, while providing substitute services on the intersectoral market, are entering increasingly difficult requirements of shaping the market advantage (EU). In this situation, there is an urgent need to activate demand preferences, mainly by improving the quality, availability, competence, timeliness, responsibility and security of service provision.

Evaluation of Multimodal Transport in China Based on Hesitation Fuzzy Multiattribute Decision-Making

Intermodal transportation, as an efficient form of transport organization, is a key technology and means for the logistics industry to balance transport costs and efficiency. How to deeply analyze the key factors constraining the level of development of multimodal transportation in China, building multimodal transportation development evaluation index system and evaluation model, evaluating comprehensively the multimodal transportation development level in China, and putting forward targeted countermeasures is of great practical significance. Based on the hesitant fuzzy multiattribute decision-making method, this paper analyzes the key factors influencing the level of multimodal transportation development from the perspective of sea-rail intermodal transport and further uses the interval number discretization and likelihood deviation maximization multiattribute decision-making method to construct a mixed-data index evaluation model, which is combined with data from 11 provinces (cities) in China. The study shows that there is a big gap among different provinces (cities) in China concerning the level of multimodal transportation development. Besides, the volume of intermodal container transportation and railway mileage are the core factors affecting the level of multimodal transportation development, and the results of the evaluation model can objectively reflect the level of multimodal transportation development and problems in each province (city). The research results further enrich the theoretical system of intermodal transportation development and provide a reference for the relevant management departments in formulating intermodal transportation plans and policies by putting forward pertinent suggestions in the field of management. In the future, the research direction should include the ecological environment, economic benefits, and other indicators into the evaluation system, expand the research scope of the modes of combined transportation such as public rail transport and public air transport, and improve the applicable scope of the evaluation model and the evaluation capability of specific scenarios.

The importance of intermodal transport in Poland in the context of sustainable development

Sustainable development is becoming a paradigm of civilisation changes of the contemporary world. Transport must be sustainable in the light of the challenges ahead. One of the most forward-looking types of transport, in terms of economy and ecology, namely intermodal transport, i.e., transport which uses more than one mode of transportation, has been recently gaining in importance. The purpose of this article is to present the role and importance of intermodal transport in Poland in the context of sustainable development. The first part of the study concentrates on the analysis of the issue of intermodal transport development, taking into account the assumptions of the policy of sustainable development. The further part of the study presents the essence of intermodal transport and its development potential in Poland, identifying the basic advantages and barriers in this area. The author has indicated the conditions that have shaped intermodal transport market and defined areas where changes and innovations need to be put in place to enable sustainable development of the intermodal market in the country. Intermodal transport is still struggling with many barriers, but the increasingly better infrastructure and policies of the European Union, which creates sustainable transport, have a positive impact on the growth of transport cohabitation. Based on the results of the conducted research, it can be concluded that there are both favourable external conditions and prospects for the intermodal transport development in Poland.

Development of an interaction model of sea and land transport in the transportation of perishable goods

The issues of the interaction of sea and land transport during the transportation of perishable goods are especially in demand at present in connection with the active development of intermodal transport. In addition, due to the rapidly changing specifics of the transport and logistics infrastructure in ports and terminals, the organization of transportation of perishable goods, which are especially vulnerable in terms of quality, requires new approaches and methods. The paper notes the high importance of preliminary preparation for the process of interaction between marine and land transport by operators of marine and land transport. On the part of the marine transport operator, it is advisable to focus on the pre-contractual work and clarification of the conditions for the formation of the freight rate; on the part of the land transportation operator, in the process of preliminary preparation, the state of the transport network for transporting refrigerated cargo near the port is of great importance. The paper proposes two new indicators for assessing the state of the transport network for the transportation of refrigerated goods. At the end of the paper, a model of the interaction of sea and land transport during the transportation of perishable goods with the expression of the multitude of cargo flows of perishable goods in the port through the matrix form is presented.