Research
Portal
COMMUNICATING TRANSPORT RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
and
Innovation
Transport Management
Thematic Research Summary
Disclaimer
This publication was produced by the Transport Research and Innovation Portal (TRIP) consortium on behalf of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE). The brochure was compiled by Nina Nesterova (Panteia, the Netherlands) and Silvia Gaggi (ISIS, Italy). The project team wishes to thank Professor Jacek Zak for his valuable contributions, and Helen West for review of the manuscript. LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the use which might be made of the following information. The views expressed in this publication are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.
Additional information on transport research programmes and related projects is available on the Transport Research and Innovation Portal website at
© European Union, 2013
Table of Contents
Preface ... 5
Executive Summary ... 7
1.
Introduction ... 9
2.
Policy Background ... 11
3.
Sub-Theme: Urban Transport Management ... 15
Background ... 15
Research ... 15
Urban Traffic Management ... 16
Transport Demand Management ... 18
4.
Sub-Theme: Freight Traffic Management ... 21
Background ... 21
Research ... 21
Technical Aspects of Freight Traffic Management and Logistics Operations ... 22
Strategic freight management and logistics... 23
5.
Sub-Theme: Road network and Traffic Management ... 26
Background ... 26
Research ... 26
Traffic management applications, including safety ... 27
6.
Sub-Theme: Rail Network and Traffic Management ... 29
Background ... 29
Research ... 29
Integrated Railway Transport Management ... 30
Operational and technical interoperability improvement ... 31
7.
Sub-Theme: Maritime and Inland Waterway Traffic and
Infrastructure Management ... 35
Background ... 35
Research ... 35
Safe, efficient and environmentally friendly maritime traffic management ... 36
Competitive and efficient inland waterways transport ... 39
8.
Sub-Theme: Air Traffic and Airport Management ... 41
Background ... 41
Research ... 41
Traffic management of current and future air transport ... 42
Efficient management to improve airport capacity ... 45
9.
Future Challenges for Research and Policy ... 48
Major research streams ... 48
Universal research issues ... 50
Selected mode-specific research issues ... 51
Road transport and urban transport ... 51
Railway transport ... 52
Water Transport (maritime and inland waterway) ... 52
Air Transport ... 52
Bibliography ... 54
Glossary ... 55
Preface
This Thematic Research Summary (TRS) has been produced as a part of the activities of the Transport Research and Innovation Portal (TRIP) project. The purpose of TRIP is to collect, structure, analyse and disseminate the results of EU-supported transport research and research financed nationally in the European Research Area (ERA), and selected global research programmes. The main dissemination tool used by TRIP is the
public web portal
The Thematic Research Summaries provide a structured guide to the results of research projects carried out mainly at EU level, either as part of a framework programme or as a study commissioned by the European Commission (EC). These summaries are intended for policy makers at European, national and local levels, stakeholders and researchers. The Thematic Research Summary on Transport Management is one of 24 themes, which provides:
• An overview of research activities in a specific aspect of transport focusing on EU-funded projects;
• Analysis and compilation of research findings and recommendations. An overview of the Thematic Research Summaries is presented in Table 1.
Table 1: Transport themes used in TRIP
Domains
TRIP Themes
Sector Passenger transport Freight transport
Mode Air transport Rail transport Road transport Urban transport
Water transport (sea and inland) Multimodal transport
Policy Financing, pricing and taxation
Regulation, competition and public services Infrastructure and TEN-T
Land use and transport planning Climate policy and energy efficiency Security and safety
International cooperation and EU Neighbourhood Policy Awareness, information and user rights
Technology Intelligent transport systems Innovative technologies
Transport management Evaluation Long-term perspectives
Assessment and decision support methodologies Environmental impacts
Economic and regional impacts
Executive Summary
This Thematic Research Summary (TRS) on Transport Management provides an overview of the research projects financed under the EU Sixth and Seventh Framework Programmes (FP6 and FP7). These projects have been grouped under six sub-themes as follows:
• Urban transport management
• Freight transport management
• Road network and traffic management
• Rail network and traffic management
• Maritime and inland waterway traffic and infrastructure management
• Air traffic and airport management
Urban traffic and mobility (EC, 2009) deals with traffic and transport management that is of strategic importance in combating congestion and its adverse effects on safety and air quality. Urban congestion not only affects the urban environment, but also the economic competitiveness, social cohesion, and sustainable growth of Europe as a whole. New projects financed under FP6 and FP7 deal with innovative concepts to improve traffic management, either by influencing transport demand or by improving transport supply especially in terms of multimodality and information services.
Freight traffic management covers technical and strategic issues for improving the management of freight distribution and logistics processes. Research projects support the goals for freight transport defined in the White paper ‘Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area - Towards a competitive and resource efficient transport system’ (EU, 2011a), further referred to as EU Transport White Paper 2011. Research focuses on new vehicle solutions and advanced technologies for more efficient and secure management of the transport chain. Other projects are carried out to enhance co-modality. There is also a project on exchange of practices between operators and stakeholders.
Road network and traffic management covers traffic and network management strategies as well as traffic and safety applications. Research projects directed to meeting the target of reducing congestion and of zero road fatalities by 2050 are reviewed.
Other projects propose innovative solutions to meet the ever-increasing transport demand as infrastructure is reaching its performance limit.
Rail network and traffic management presents research projects directed to improving railway transport management and thus contribute toward the EU target of building a modern and competitive railway network in Europe. Some of the research projects address integrated railway transport management while other projects address aspects of operational and technical interoperability.
Maritime and inland waterway traffic and infrastructure management deals with transport management in relation to waterborne transport. Completed and on-going research projects address transport management approaches to achieve safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly maritime transport. There is also a project on inland waterways transport that illustrates how research contributes to creating competitive and efficient inland waterways.
Air traffic and airport management presents research projects in response to the pressing issues of airport congestion and future development of air traffic. The projects reviewed contributed to improving air traffic management and to efficient management of the airport capacity.
In a review of the implications for further research and policy, external expert Prof. Jacek Zak stated that there is a need for further development of intelligent, smart transport and logistics concepts. Future research of transport sustainability and complexity concepts could be combined. More use of Multi Criteria Decision Making could be made in research on infrastructure and on technical, economic and information integration of transport systems. Mode-specific recommendations are made for future research.
1.
Introduction
This is an update of previous Thematic Research Summaries (TRS) on Transport Management. The first TRS was produced by EXTR@Web project and covered 20 projects under FP4 and FP5. It was updated in 2010 under the TRKC project with an addition of 35 projects (25 projects under FP5 and FP6 and ten national projects). This second update covers research projects funded under FP6 that were not included in previous TRS. It also includes completed and on-going research projects funded under the FP7 before 1 January 2012.
This TRS presents an overview of EU-funded research on traffic and transport management for all modes, covering both freight and passenger transport. The scope of the topic includes influencing the way in which existing transport systems and infrastructure are used and new approaches to the management and control of traffic. Transport management includes planning, organising, leading, and controlling transport services to ensure efficient and reliable transport of passengers and goods from origin to destination.
EU policy addresses transport management through actions targeted to improve traffic and infrastructure management at operational, tactical, and strategic levels. There are two focal areas - freight and urban transport. Further, each transport mode has specific policy priorities and development strategies that focus on transport management.
The reviewed projects have been grouped into six sub-themes:
• Urban transport management
• Freight transport management
• Road network and traffic management
• Rail network and traffic management
• Maritime and inland waterway traffic and infrastructure management
Transport management is a wide theme that overlaps with other themes covered by TRIP. This TRS focuses on projects that have an impact on transport management practices and EU policy in this area. Some projects that are included have another focus but their results contribute to improving traffic and infrastructure management (for instance, innovative technologies and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) to improve traffic control and management).
The report begins with an overview of the policy background with regard to the six research sub-themes. The results from the specific research projects are summarised under the identified sub-themes. Each sub-theme begins with a brief background and research overview followed by project summaries grouped according to specific clusters. The research projects are listed in the Annex together with projects reviewed in two previous TRS’ on Transport Management.
2.
Policy Background
The management of transport has been a very important theme for European policy as it contributes to the efficient use of resources. Covering a wide spectrum of subsectors, this section presents the main European guidelines which tackle the theme of transport management so as to define where the main research has taken place so far and how it will develop in the future.
The EU Transport White Paper 2011 is a roadmap to create a Single European Transport Area. It proposes 40 initiatives for the next decade to build a competitive and sustainable transport system. This transport roadmap to 2050 aims to increase mobility, to cut emissions, and to remove the major barriers and bottlenecks.
The vision of a competitive and sustainable transport system established by the Transport White Paper 2011 presents challenges for future traffic and infrastructure management. In particular, provision of transport policy frameworks at EU level requires new approaches to management of integrated transport systems. Innovative transport management tools and rules are to be proposed to support European transport policy in establishing ‘a system that underpins European economic progress, enhances competitiveness, and offers high quality mobility services while using resources more efficiently’ (EC, 2011a). The Transport White Paper 2011 states that ‘new transport patterns must emerge, according to which larger volumes of freight and greater numbers of travellers are carried jointly to their destination by the most efficient (combination of) modes’. These future developments must rely, among other things, on the more efficient use of transport and infrastructure ‘through improved traffic management and information systems’ (EC, 2011a).
Urban transport has been widely recognised to be of strategic importance in reaching the EU policy objectives. Urban congestion not only affects the urban environment, but also economic competitiveness, social cohesion, and sustainable growth of Europe as a whole. ‘Towards free-flowing towns and cities’ is a key priority in the EU Green Paper on Urban Transport (EC, 2007a) and in the Action Plan (EC, 2008). It is essential for the EU to ensure a fluid transport system for people and goods in urban areas while maintaining economic growth.
Urban transport management aims at solving chronic traffic congestion in cities and towns across Europe and in reducing the impacts on the accompanying issues of road safety and environmental pollution. These management measures support the policy objective of shifting transport demand from single car use to more sustainable modes of transport, particularly to public transport. ITS solutions can help to optimise the use of road infrastructure and to manage traffic flows in urban areas, by balancing road use by private cars, public transport, and freight vehicles. Mobility management (MM) is becoming an increasingly important component of traffic management in influencing transport demand. Mobility management measures include information, communication, and awareness-raising actions.
Another key focus of European policy on transport is freight transport. The ambition expressed in the EU Transport White Paper 2011 is to shift 30% of road freight (over 300 km) to other modes such as rail and waterborne transport by 2030, and more than 50% by 2050, facilitated by efficient and green freight corridors. Freight shipments over short and medium distances (less than 300 km) will largely be carried by road. Thus as well as encouraging alternative transport solutions (rail, waterborne transport), truck efficiency needs to be improved with the development and uptake of new engines and cleaner fuels, the use of intelligent transport systems, and further measures to enhance market mechanisms.
To improve efficiency of freight transport, the first EU Freight and Logistics Action Plan was adopted in 2007 (EC, 2007b). It established a roadmap for freight transport management including ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) applications to monitor freight movements across modes and borders: the e-Freight concept. In addition, the ITS Action Plan of 2008 (EC, 2008) established a framework for developing Intelligent Transport applications for freight transport logistics, including monitoring hazardous goods and transport of live animals, as well as digital mapping. The use of ITS contributes to real-time traffic management, reducing delivery times, and congestion for last mile distribution. Transport management measures based on ITS can contribute to a more efficient interface between long distance and last-mile freight transport, the latter constituting the most ‘inefficient’ part of the journey.
Today, the road transport sector accounts for the majority of inland passenger and freight transport, carrying about 44% of freight1
For the rail sector, the EU has defined an objective of creating an integrated European railway area and an EU internal market for rail. Three consecutive railway packages targeted to contribute to this objective. The new rules to allow more competition in the rail market will come into force by the end of 2012 (Rail Recast Directive, EC 2012b). EU legislation is opening up and encouraging cross-border competition in order to contribute to the development of a Single European Railway Area.
and 73% of passenger traffic in the EU. Growth in traffic volumes entails ever-increasing road congestion, leading to rising rates in traffic accidents, air pollution, and losses in productivity. Congestion costs the EU economy more than 1% of GDP. The EU Transport White Paper 2011 identified congestion as a key challenge for road transport.
Opening markets between national railways requires coordination on technical, operational, and managerial aspects. Improving interoperability between national railways and establishing the efficient management of the integrated railway network is a focus of the EU transport policy agenda. Stakeholders are supported in this process by directives and research on harmonising infrastructure, signalling, telecommunications and data transmission and operational procedures. A major EU industrial project — European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) — contributes to rail transport management. The European Deployment plan for the implementation of the ERTMS systems on national and European level has been developed. For passenger transport, telematics applications for interoperability are seen as having high potential. In line with EU sustainability objectives, environmental and safety aspects need to be integrated into the management of the rail network and railway transport.
In the waterborne sector, policy priorities differ for maritime transport and for inland waterways. The main maritime challenges are to protect Europe by means of strict safety regulations to prevent sub-standard shipping, to reduce the risk of serious maritime accidents, to minimise the environmental impact, and to increase protection for passengers and crews. These policy orientations have an impact on current management practices and approaches to maritime traffic and infrastructure. The EU e-Maritime initiative fosters using advanced information technologies and contributes to facilitating maritime traffic and infrastructure management.
Compared to other transport modes, inland waterway transport is characterised by reliability, low environmental impact and the capacity for increased exploitation. Nevertheless, its share in EU transport is still relatively low. The European Commission promotes and strengthens the competitive position of inland waterway transport and is facilitating its integration into the intermodal transport chain.
Transport management is most advanced in air transport. Air Traffic Management (ATM) organised through Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems, airport management and on-board systems is essential for efficient and safe operation. The main EU Policies are the Single European Sky legislation and its update, the Single European Sky II package. A set of regulations that establish common requirements for operation and interoperability directed to meeting challenges, such as capacity shortage, safety, reducing environmental impact and increasing cost efficiency. A roadmap to implement the SES-II endorses and reinforces the Functional Airspace Blocks (FABs) system to be implemented by December 2012. FABs are seen as performance drivers and are envisaged to change the ATM landscape and to have an impact on European air traffic and infrastructure management.
In 2007, the EU established a joint undertaking to develop SESAR, the new generation of European ATM to ensure the safety and fluidity of air transport worldwide in the next 30 years. Currently, the project is in its development phase in which a new generation of technological systems is being developed. In this framework, improved air traffic and aircraft positioning, and communication technologies, such as Galileo, offer opportunities for significant improvements in the efficiency and safety of air travel.
Improving airports and increasing their capacity are part of EU policy. In December 2011, the European Commission adopted a comprehensive package of measures to address the capacity shortage at European airports and to improve the service quality for passengers. The package contains three legislative proposals on slots, ground handling, and noise. In addition, there is a Communication ‘Airport policy in the European Union – addressing capacity and quality to promote growth, connectivity and sustainable mobility’ (EC, 2011c).
3.
Sub-Theme: Urban Transport
Management
This section explores the existing and ongoing research with regard to urban transport management and its effect on the efficiency of urban mobility and on the abatement of negative externalities. In particular, it identifies two main areas of interest: the urban traffic management, for passenger transport optimisation, and the transport demand management, for behavioural change to sustainable transport demand.
Background
Urban congestion not only affects the urban environment, but also economic competitiveness, social cohesion, and sustainable growth in Europe. Towards free-flowing towns and cities is a key priority set by the EU in the Green Paper on Urban Transport (EC, 2007a) and taken up in the Action Plan (EC, 2008). The EU aims to ensure a fluid transport system for people and goods in urban areas while maintaining economic growth. Research on urban transport management has focused on dealing with chronic traffic congestion in cities and towns in Europe, and on reducing the impact of the accompanying issues of road safety and environmental pollution.
Research
Traffic and transport management in urban areas presented in this section refer to passenger transport. Aspects of freight transport management in urban areas are presented in Chapter 4. Research has focused on innovative concepts to improve traffic management, either by supplying improved transport, or by influencing transport demand. Research projects are divided into two clusters
A first cluster of projects, Urban Traffic Management, concerns transport management solutions to optimise passenger transport systems, especially in terms of multimodality and information services such as in the OPTIMISM project, and at large events, such as
in the STADIUM project. ITS solutions to improve transport management in cities have been explored and analysed in the CONDUITS project.
A second cluster of research projects, Transport Demand Management, explores innovative soft solutions for behavioural change. This research supports the policy objective of shifting transport demand from single car use to more sustainable modes of public transport. Mobility management measures, such as awareness raising and information campaigns, are implemented in the MAX project, while DEMOCRITOS, CATCH, CURACAO and USEMOBILITY projects examine ways to change citizens’ attitudes to car use.
Special reference is made to the EU CIVITAS initiative (City – Vitality – Sustainability Initiative, FP6 and FP7) in this section. Launched by the European Commission in 2002 as a programme ‘of cities for cities’ the CIVITAS Initiative promotes a new urban mobility culture based on an integrated planning approach, addressing all modes and forms of transport in cities. Most CIVITAS projects have included urban transport management in their integrated approach, such as measures to improve data collection for transport management, traffic monitoring, access and parking management in the city centres, implementation of real-time information systems and mobility management initiatives to change transport behaviour. These measures have been implemented in demonstration projects, such as in MOBILIS, SMILE, CARAVEL, SUCCESS, RENAISSANCE, ARCHIMEDES, MODERN, ELAN, and MIMOSA.
Urban Traffic Management
The CONDUITS project (Coordination of network descriptors for urban intelligent
transportation systems, FP7, 2009–2011) investigated current and potential use of
ITS in urban transport management. To enable cities to evaluate progress made, the project produced a set of key performance indicators to assess the performance of traffic management and ITS.
The OPTIMISM project (Optimising Passenger Transport Information to
Materialize Insights for Sustainable Mobility, FP7, 2011–2013) is developing
strategies and methodologies based on co-modality ICT solutions to optimise passenger transport systems.
Data are being collected and analysed on supply and demand factors in transport systems and mobility patterns, as well as on the potential to de-carbonise passenger transport systems.
The STADIUM project (Smart Transport Applications Designed for Large Events
with Impacts on Urban Mobility, FP7, 2009–2013) addresses transport
management at large events hosted by big cities. The project will provide guidelines and tools for a traffic management system based on ITS. Applications have been demonstrated at three major events: the South Africa World Cup (2010), the India Commonwealth Games (2010), and the London Olympics (2012). The project will produce guidelines for selecting, designing and implementing traffic management in cities hosting large events.
The following CIVITAS projects included demonstration activities or pilot initiatives on urban traffic management:
The MOBILIS project (Mobility Initiatives for Local Integration and Sustainability,
FP6, 2005-2009) implemented urban traffic management measures on access and
parking management in Venice, Italy, Debrecen, Hungary, and Toulouse in France. In addition, satellite control of waterborne public transport was tested in Venice, allowing dynamic management of the public boat fleet and traffic emergencies.
The SMILE project (Sustainable urban transport for the Europe of tomorrow, FP6,
2005-2009) introduced a low-emission zone in Norwich and satellite-based traffic
management in Malmö in Sweden.
The CARAVEL project (Travelling Towards a New Mobility, FP6, 2005-2009) implemented a parking and management strategy and created a traffic visualisation system in Burgos, Spain. In addition, an integrated access control strategy was introduced in Kraków, Poland, and IT-based event-oriented traffic management in Stuttgart, Germany.
The SUCCESS project (Smaller Urban Communities in CIVITAS for
Environmentally Sustainable Solutions, FP6, 2005-2009) tested a real-time
information system in Ploiesti, Romania. In addition, measures were implemented in Preston in the United Kingdom, including planning and infrastructure for alternative transport modes, integration of transport information systems, and improved data collection for transport, and a parking strategy and management.
The RENAISSANCE project (FP7, 2008-2012) tested a traffic surveillance system at selected road intersections in Szczecinek, Poland.
An intelligent traffic management and control system, including automatic vehicle location for buses and real-time passenger information, were demonstrated in the centre of Skopje in Macedonia. Access restrictions and parking management were tested in Perugia, Italy.
The ARCHIMEDES project (Achieving Real Change with Innovative Transport
Measures Demonstrating Energy Savings, FP7, 2008-2012) implemented strategic
traffic management in the cities of Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic and Monza, Italy; Park & Ride systems were demonstrated in Monza, Italy and Donostia-San Sebastián in Spain.
The MODERN project (Mobility, Development and Energy Use Reduction, FP7,
2008-2012) implemented access restriction policies in Craiova, Romania and tested
information and traffic management systems in Vitoria–Gasteiz, Spain and Coimbra in Portugal.
The ELAN project (FP7, 2008-2012) tested measures such as parking and public space management and holistic event management in Gent, Belgium. Integration of mobility corridors was tested in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
The MIMOSA project (Making Innovation for Mobility Sustainable Actions, FP7,
2008-2012) demonstrated measures in traffic control centres and management in
Utrecht, the Netherlands, Bologna, Italy, Tallinn in Estonia, and Funchal in Portugal. Flexible access restrictions were tested in the city centre of Bologna.
Transport Demand Management
The MAX project (Successful Travel Awareness Campaigns and Mobility
Management Strategies, FP6, 2006–2009) extended, standardised and improved
mobility management (MM). It focused on travel awareness campaigns, behaviour change models and prospective assessment, quality management, and integrating MM and land use planning. Project produced MaxTag, a guide for travel awareness campaigns. The groundwork was done for a predictive tool on behaviour change and prospective assessment, and tools were provided to structure, monitor, and evaluate MM.
The CURACAO project (Coordination of Urban Road-User Charging Organisational
Issues, FP6, 2004–2009) co-ordinated research and monitored the implementation of
road user charges as a demand management tool in urban areas.
The project developed a generic urban blueprint that can serve as a catalyst and enabler for implementation of road pricing in European cities, which can affect citizens travel behaviour.
The CATCH project (Carbon aware travel choices in the climate-friendly world of
tomorrow, FP7, 2009–2012) developed an online knowledge platform to influence
transport demand by increasing awareness of the environmental impacts of mobility and potential solutions to their management. The platform provides the visitors with a tool presenting the CO2 emissions related to their travel plan and offering options to adapt their choice thereby reducing CO2 emissions.
The DEMOCRITOS project (Developing the Mobility Credits Integrated Platform to
enable travellers to improve urban transport sustainability, FP7, 2009–2011)
brought the Mobility Credits Model to the foreground as a flexible instrument to manage urban mobility demand towards a sustainable level. The Mobility Credits Model is a transport-specific platform that enables travellers, mobility providers, technology providers, and transport planners to understand the implications of climate policy, changing attitudes and mobility choices.
The USEMOBILITY project (Understanding Social behaviour for Eco-friendly
multimodal mobility, FP7, 2011–2013) is using a new approach to identify the
reasons for changes in mobility behaviour and to forecast future patterns. Factors that have an impact on the choice of transport mode are being analysed and will include hard factors (such as structural, technological and communication factors) and soft factors (such as amenity value of transport and environmental awareness). A mix of measures with the best cost-benefit ratio will be proposed for the medium and long term to adapt transport services closer to user requirements.
The following CIVITAS projects include demonstration activities and pilot initiatives on mobility management:
The CARAVEL project (Travelling Towards a New Mobility, FP6, 2005-2009) created a mobility forum in the city of Burgos, Spain, which was also implemented in Kraków, Poland.
The MOBILIS project (Mobility Initiatives for Local Integration and Sustainability,
FP6, 2005-2009) focused on MM in the harbour of Odense in Denmark, and mobility
plans for commuters in Toulouse in France.
The SMILE project (Sustainable urban transport for the Europe of Tomorrow, FP6,
2005-2009) implemented actions to improve public transport information in Suceava,
Romania, and created a mobility centre in the city of Potenza, Italy.
The ARCHIMEDE project (Achieving Real Change with Innovative Transport
Measures Demonstrating Energy Savings, FP7, 2008-2012) focused on MM on the
university campus in Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.
The ELAN project (FP7, 2008-2012) focused on mobility management for companies and schools in Gent, Belgium, and for large institutions in Zagreb, Croatia.
The MIMOSA project (Making Innovation for Mobility Sustainable Actions, FP7,
2008-2012) included a wide range of MM measures. Soft actions to promote public
transport were implemented in Tallinn, Estonia, in Utrecht, the Netherlands, and for tram travel in Gdansk, Poland. Other measures were implemented in Funchal, Portugal, and in Bologna, Italy.
The MODERN project (Mobility, Development and Energy Use Reduction, FP7,
2008-2012) developed software tools for mobility management in industrial areas in
Craiova, Romania, and mobility management in Coimbra, Portugal.
The POSMETRANS project (Policy measures for innovation in TRANSport sector
with special focus on Small and Medium sized Enterprises, FP7, 2010-2011)
developed recommendations for innovative technologies and processes in the transport sector, with a special focus on small on medium enterprises in the area of Public Transport. The project studied the impact of innovation on vehicles and infrastructures for roads, railways and water transport, respectively. Innovation in the field of “greening” technologies, new materials, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), as well as safety and security were addressed. The co-modal transport chain was emphasized. POSMETRANS provided recommendations on 3 key issues: “how innovation spreads into the market”, “the influence of networks on the stimulation of the innovation process” and “the impact of European and national policy measures”.
4.
Sub-Theme: Freight Traffic
Management
This subtheme explores the projects undertaken for more efficient, environmental-friendly freight transport. It is broken down into two fields: the technical aspects for improving the management of freight and logistics and the strategic aspects, which focus on enhancing co-modality, increasing awareness and promoting further research.
Background
While a key element for the economy, freight transport raises environmental, social, security and safety issues that are severe and constantly increasing. Today, the EU faces the challenge of ensuring economic growth and environmental protection while meeting the continuing demand for freight transport. Research projects focus on innovative solutions to contribute to meeting these challenges.
Research
Research projects on freight traffic management have been clustered in two groups. The first cluster, technical aspects of freight traffic management and logistics operations, deals with technical improvement in the management of freight distribution and logistics processes. These projects include aspects on ICT platforms and schemes, information provision and data exchange. Research was dedicated to new vehicle solutions to improve load capacity and efficiency of transhipment operations, such as the FIDEUS project. This group also includes projects on advanced technologies and e-solutions for the containers door-to-door transport chain, such as Smart-CM, COMCIS and e-FREIGHT for more efficient and secure transport chain management.
The second cluster deals with strategic freight and logistics management and includes projects to enhance co-modality, such as BE-LOGIC, KOMODA and CO3 to help in aggregating transport demand.
The cluster also includes exchange of freight transport management strategies between operators and stakeholders such as BESTFACT. In addition, there are studies, such as in FREIGHTVISION, to improve future research in transport management for freight.
Technical Aspects of Freight Traffic Management and
Logistics Operations
The FIDEUS project (Freight Innovative Delivery in European Urban Space, FP6,
2005-2008) provided vehicle solutions to support an innovative approach to urban
freight transport in line with political strategies to safeguard the ‘liveability’ of cities. The project involved the automotive industry, logistics companies, and local authorities in rethinking distribution logistics. Three vehicle types were proposed (an innovative ‘clean’ goods carrier, an adapted 3.5 tonne van and 12 tonne truck), all equipped with advanced technologies such as new urban goods container. Logistics management focused on vehicle load capacity, efficiency of transhipment operations, and integration of delivery operations in city traffic. Demonstrations conducted in Hannover showed that extended access to restricted areas reduced overall delivery time. Tests in Lyon and Barcelona demonstrated reductions in truck noise and emissions.
The SMART-CM project (Smart Container Chain Management, FP7, 2008–2011) studied and implemented advanced technology on container door-to-door transport. A single window interoperability platform that is neutral and open has been developed for secure and interoperable data communications between public administrations and market players. This was demonstrated in two world-scale demonstrations covering four supply chain corridors. The analysis included technology, market, organisational and security issues.
The COMCIS project (Collaborative Information Services for Container
Management, FP7, 2011-2013) deals with interoperability of e-freight systems
developed in previous EU projects and in commercial undertakings. The project will integrate e-freight systems such as Logit 4SEE (from Freightwise), Smart-CM Neutral Layer and ICS-SEAP (from Smart-CM), SICIS (from Integrity), Port Community Systems (from Descartes) and commercial platforms (such as DHL). Interoperable e-freight systems will offer information that will reduce lead times and increase reliability in logistics chains.
The E-FREIGHT project (European e-freight capabilities for co-modal transport,
FP7, 2010-2013) is an ongoing project to provide a platform to support the design,
development, deployment, and maintenance of freight solutions. With the help of e-Freight:
• Transport users (shippers, freight forwarders, etc) will be able to identify and use direct or combined transport services most suited for their purpose.
• Transport service providers in all modes will provide information about their service offerings and exchange information electronically with all relevant actors through planning, executing and completing transport operations.
• Transport infrastructure providers will be able to facilitate the best possible use of the complete transport infrastructure and support transport users by providing relevant information about the available transport infrastructure and how to use it.
• Transport regulators will be able to obtain in the simplest possible way the required information for monitoring compliance with applicable regulations, and to exchange information with other authorities for collaboration in security and environmental risk management.
These solutions are being validated in business cases and pilots with stakeholders including large and small businesses and transport authorities. The project will lead to ‘Intelligent Cargo’ with goods becoming self-context and location-aware and connected to a wide range of information services, thus further automating transport management.
Strategic freight management and logistics
The BE-LOGIC project (Benchmarking Logistics and Co-Modality, FP7, 2008–
2011) supported development of a logistics benchmarking system to improve efficiency
within and across transport modes. The Logistics Benchmarking e-tool was developed to enable users to compare two alternative transport chains on six criteria: time, cost, flexibility, reliability, quality, and sustainability. In addition, the European Intermodal Route Finder (EIRF) was developed, which enables users to construct intermodal routes and assess their performance.
The FREIGHTVISION project (Freight Transport FORESIGHT 2050, FP7, 2008–
2010) developed a long-term vision and action plan for sustainable long-distance freight
transport. Forums were organised of stakeholders to reach a common understanding about the future of long-term freight transport in Europe.
The KOMODA project (Co-modality - Towards Optimised Integrated Chains in
Freight Transport Logistics, FP7, 2008–2009) produced a roadmap to nurture an
integrated e-Logistics platform between transport modes across Europe and developed an action plan for an integrated e-logistics system Europe-wide. Industry requirements were identified in the organisation of the logistic chain and technical specifications for the integrated information system.
The BESTFACT project (Best Practice Factory for Freight Transport, FP7,
2012-2015) is developing and disseminating best practices and innovations in freight logistics
to contribute to making transport in Europe more competitiveness and to reduce environmental impact. Best practices will be based on detailed analysis of 150 cases and 60 in depth surveys.
The CO3 project (Collaboration Concepts for Co-modality, FP7, 2011-2014) is examining innovative solutions to increase capacity use in the European freight transport system under collaborative transport ‘carpooling for cargo’. CO3 is a business strategy to enable companies in the supply chain to optimise logistics and transport operations by increasing load factors, reducing empty movements, and by stimulating co-modality. The SUPERGREEN project (Supporting EU Freight Transport Logistics Action Plan
on Green Corridors Issues, FP7, 2010-2013) is evaluating green corridors to
promote sustainable development of European freight logistics. The corridors will be benchmarked on all aspects of transport operations and infrastructure, as well as environmental issues and emissions, and costs. Areas for improvement (bottlenecks) and green technologies will be identified.
The STRAIGHTSOL project (STRAtegies and measures for smarter urban freIGHT
SOLutions, FP7, 2011-2014) is developing an impact assessment framework for
measures to improve urban-interurban freight transport interfaces. Demonstrations will showcase improved urban-interurban freight operations in Europe and apply the impact assessment framework to develop recommendations for future freight policies and measures.
The demonstrations include initiatives from stakeholders such as DHL, Kuehne+Nagel, and TNT, and cover Brussels, Barcelona, Thessaloniki, Utrecht, Lisbon, Oslo and the south of England.
The POSMETRANS project (Policy measures for innovation in TRANSport sector
with special focus on Small and Medium sized Enterprises, FP7, 2010-2011)
developed recommendations for innovative technologies and processes in the transport sector, with a special focus on small on medium enterprises in the area of Freight & Logistic. The project studied the impact of innovation on vehicles and infrastructures for roads, railways and water transport, respectively.
Innovation in the field of “greening” technologies, new materials, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), as well as safety and security were addressed. The co-modal transport chain was emphasized. POSMETRANS provided recommendations on 3 key issues: “how innovation spreads into the market”, “the influence of networks on the stimulation of the innovation process” and “the impact of European and national policy measures”.
The INNOSUTRA project (INNOvation processes in Surface TRAnsport, FP7,
2010-2011) focuses on integrating innovation in transport and logistics chains by improving
the fields of market understanding, knowledge management and network organisation. The project aims indentifies the key players for innovation, assesses how innovation gets adopted and spreads in the market, how it is stimulated among others through policy, in networks, viewing key determinants of successful innovative concepts and formulates clear policy conclusions on how governments can and should best impact on the above issues.
5.
Sub-Theme: Road network and
Traffic Management
This subtheme focuses on road transport operations with specific interest to safety and efficiency aspects. It is divided into two clusters: the traffic management applications, which emphasise on aspects such as safety and efficient use of road infrastructure and the road traffic strategies, which are designed mainly to deal with the increasing passenger and freight demand.
Background
Growth in traffic volumes on the European road transport network entails ever-increasing road congestion leading to rising rates in traffic accidents, air pollution, and losses in productivity. Combating road congestion is a key challenge for the EU as well as increasing safety on European roads. Research on management measures for road transport aims primarily at improving the efficiency of the road transport network, including safety, while promoting a shift to other transport modes (EC, 2012).
Research
Research projects on road network and traffic management have been clustered in two groups: traffic management applications, and traffic and network management strategies. The first cluster covers traffic applications and examines research related to network operations and monitoring such as HEAVYROUTE. A key aspect of projects in this cluster is safety applications that enable more efficient use of the road networks. Research includes developing and testing new sensing technologies and new approaches to integrate existing information systems, such as in the SMART RRS and ASSET projects.
The second cluster on traffic and network management strategies provides innovative solutions to meet the continuing demand to transport people and goods as infrastructure reaching capacity limits.
Research supports meeting the challenge of making more efficient use of road infrastructure, for instance in the ARCHES and TRIMM projects, while meeting higher requirements for safety, security, and reliability.
Traffic management applications, including safety
The HEAVYROUTE project (Intelligent Route Guidance of Heavy Vehicles, FP6,
2006–2009) developed an advanced management and route guidance system for heavy
goods vehicles linking European road infrastructure via electronic mapping systems to the truck operators and drivers. The purpose was to increase the efficiency, profitability and safety of the haulage sector whilst contributing to overall road transport management in terms of safety, congestion and infrastructure asset management. Innovative applications were developed including pre-trip route planning and on-board driver support. The applications are based on vehicle/infrastructure interaction models together with detailed data on the vehicle itself, the infrastructure and the traffic.
The SMART RRS project (Innovative concepts for smart road restraint systems to
provide greater safety for vulnerable road users, FP7, 2008–2012) reduced the
number of road injuries and deaths in vulnerable users such as motorcyclists, cyclists, and passengers. A smart road restraint system (RRS) integrates primary and tertiary sensor systems to alert motorists, to minimise response times of emergency services, and also to prevent hazards leading to road accidents. The smart RRS can be integrated in ITS infrastructure.
The Asset Road project (ASSET Advanced Safety and Driver Support in Essential
Road Transport, FP7, 2008–2011) developed new procedures to achieve better
dynamics and more efficient traffic flow while contributing to improving safety in road transport. ASSET generated and processed road safety information from essential system components to improve driver support, awareness, and behaviour. This is done by means of an advanced sensor/processing network providing assistance and information to drivers, traffic control agencies, and infrastructure operators.
Traffic and network management strategies
The ARCHES project (Assessment and Rehabilitation of Central European
Highway Structures, FP6, 2006–2009) raised the standard of the highway structures
in new Member States and Central and Eastern European Countries in terms of road maintenance and to optimise infrastructure use through better safety assessment and monitoring procedures. The project developed methods and techniques for transport management to better assess traffic loads on bridges and to improve collection and monitoring of traffic data.
The TRIMM project (Tomorrow's Road Infrastructure Monitoring and
Management, FP7, 2011-2014) is integrating data into road management systems for
future decision-making. The needs for monitoring data are being mapped and a cost-benefit analysis is being carried out on monitoring techniques and use in asset management. Technologies for monitoring pavements are being identified and ways to improve data processing, interpretation and indicators will be investigated. Finally, indicators for road asset management will be identified.
6.
Sub-Theme: Rail Network and Traffic
Management
This section emphasises on the management aspects of the railways sector in order to create an integrated, reliable European railway system. More specifically, it presents activities on the integrated railway transport management focusing on the administrative and institutional aspects of the railways, and on the improvement of technical interoperability in terms of railway maintenance and safety.
Background
Building a modern, competitive railway network is a top priority in Europe for the operation of the EU internal market and for development of a sustainable transport system. Research projects presented below contribute to the policy objective of creating an integrated European railway system and improving interoperability between national railways, and integrating sustainability aspects into the management of railway transport.
Research
Railway management is facing the challenge of creating an efficient and reliable integrated European railway system. Interoperability between national railways has to be improved through harmonisation of railway transport management and institutions and by removing technical and operational barriers. The research projects presented below are grouped in two clusters: integrated railway transport management; and operational and technical interoperability.
The projects in the first cluster, integrated railway transport management, impact on the performance of the European railways by improving management practices, and by facilitating cooperation between railway stakeholders. These projects focus on institutional, administrative, and legal aspects. Assessing bottlenecks and developing
business models (such as in NEW OPERA and TREND projects) is necessary to estimate future railway management challenges. The INFRAGUIDER project introduced sustainability aspects with impact on railway management. The on-going ON-TIME project deals with improvement in real-time railway traffic.
The second project cluster on technical and operational interoperability improvement deals with maintenance and safety. Projects to improve inspection and maintenance of the railway infrastructure include WIDEM, AUTOMAIN, ACEM-RAIL, INTERAIL, SMART-RAIL, ALARP and MAINLINE. Some projects (SAFERAIL, SAFE-RAIL, D-RAIL) focus on safety improvement, an objective high on the EU agenda. Two projects contributing to improving interoperability of European railways deal with electromagnetic compatibility (RAILCOM and EUREMCO). Introduction of the information and communication technologies facilitates transport management on the EU railway system (INTEGRAIL project).
Integrated Railway Transport Management
The NEW OPERA project (New European Wish: Operation Project for European
Rail network FP6, 2005-2008) investigated changes needed for a long-term scenario
2020 for a core Rail network (predominantly freight). Recommendations which impact the railway management in Europe include introduction of longer and heavier trains, double stack option for new rail lines and tunnels, standardised maintenance approach, adoption of the software technologies in cross-border traffic management, use of intelligent tools for cross-border freight movement and a Decision Support System for dispatchers, infrastructure managers and railway undertakings and their customers. After the NEWOPERA project, an International non-profit association was formed known as NEWOPERA AISBL to continue project activities.
The TREND project (Towards new Rail freight quality and concepts in the
European Network in respect to Market Demand (FP6, 2005-2006) examined
recent developments in improving interoperability between single national railway systems in EU Member States. Best practices were identified. For selected corridors, prerequisites for innovative and new concepts for Trans-European rail freight services were analysed. Quality standards for commercial and operational relations in rail freight services were developed.
A methodology was proposed to evaluate and develop European railway infrastructure – Infrastructure development Scheme. In this framework, GIS-based internet information tools were implemented. Finally, business models for international co-operation were proposed.
The INFRAGUIDER project (Infrastructure guidelines for environmental railway
performance FP7, 2009-2010) was directed toward improving the environmental
performance of railway infrastructure with the introduction of eco-procurement. This methodology referred to as the Leverage Model is also a guideline for the integration of environmental requirements in the operational procurement of railway infrastructure materials and components. The methodology enables railway infrastructure managers to pre-set an acceptable cost level for eco-procurement and thus to control costs. Guidelines and criteria have been developed for environmental impact assessment of existing and new railway infrastructure.
The ONTIME project (Optimal Networks for Train Integration Management across
Europe, FP7, 2011–2014) is developing new methods and processes to maximise the
capacity of the European railway network and to reduce delays through improved traffic planning. Specific emphasis is on approaches to alleviate congestion at bottlenecks. Case studies will include passenger and freight services on European corridors, long distance mainlines, and urban commuter railways.
Operational and technical interoperability improvement
The INTEGRAIL project (Intelligent Integration of Railway Systems, FP6,
2005-2008) developed a framework to integrate railway information systems into a single
system. Technology was developed to enable transparent access to information systems (databases, monitoring systems and user applications) and thus to improve rail transport management. Introduction of this integrated system leads to cost reduction in railway operation and maintenance. A single integrated system also provides other benefits including reduction in delays and disruptions, and increase in traffic volumes.
The SAFE-RAIL project (Development of an Innovative Ground-Penetrating Radar
System for Fast and Efficient Monitoring of Rail-Track Substructure Conditions, FP6, 2004-2008) improved safety standards by developing new methodologies and
axles of moving trains was developed. Ultrasonic phased arrays enable more accurate and faster inspection of wheels sets for surface breaking faults. The system automatically alerts signalling engineers to take action such as reducing train speed or stopping the train for immediate maintenance.
The SAFERAIL project (Development of Novel Inspection Systems for Railway
Wheelsets, FP7, 2008-2011) developed and implemented an online system for the
inspection of wheels and axles of moving trains. When a failure is identified, the system automatically alerts the signalling engineers. In the case of a serious defect, the signalling engineers stop a train for emergency maintenance. Ultrasonic phased arrays allow more accurate and fast inspection of wheels sets for surface breaking faults.
The RAILCOM project (Electromagnetic compatibility between rolling stock and
rail infrastructure encouraging European interoperability, FP6, 2005-2008)
investigated technical issues in vehicle/infrastructure interface on the TEN-T railway network. Technical methods and approaches were developed and tested to achieve electromagnetic compatibility between vehicles and track circuits for future interoperable railway lines. High frequency interference in railway network, especially in communication systems between trains and infrastructure was investigated.
The WIDEM project (Wheelset Integrated Design and Effective Maintenance, FP6,
2005-2007) improved the efficiency and competitiveness of railway transport through a
fundamental re-examination of wheelset design processes, which in turn, contributed to improved maintenance practices. A new real-time measurement methodology was developed for wheel-rail contact forces based on axle deformations with a bandwidth of about 70Hz. Standard procedure for processing load (or stress) measurements was developed to compute a wheelset design mission profile. New wheelsets were tested and used to determine the load spectre and specific running measurements.
The AUTOMAIN project (Augmented usage of Track by Optimisation of
Maintenance, Allocation and Inspection of railway network FP7, 2011–2014) is
developing new processes and technologies to move towards 24-7 railway operation by replacing scheduled maintenance strategies with infrastructure maintenance as required. Infrastructure maintenance is to be improved through increased reliability, availability, maintainability and improved worker safety.
The D-RAIL project (Development of the Future Rail Freight System to Reduce
the Occurrences and Impact of Derailment, FP7, 2011–2014) is improving railway
management by identifying root causes of derailment, particularly freight vehicles. The project is investigating how independent minor faults (for example, slight track twist and a failing bearing) could combine to cause a derailment. Demand for rail freight systems in 2050 will be estimated in line with new concepts such as heavier axle loads, faster freight vehicle speeds for time-sensitive low volume, high value, high speed services and goods, radically new vehicle designs, and longer trains.
The ACEM-RAIL project (Automated and cost effective maintenance for railway,
FP7, 2010–2013) is investigating how to reduce costs, time and resources in railway
infrastructure maintenance. Technologies for automated and cost effective inspection of the track condition will be developed and prototypes manufactured. Algorithms will be developed for optimal planning of infrastructure maintenance that integrates scheduling for preventive and corrective operations. Automated and optimised monitoring systems will be put in place.
The INTERAIL project (Development of a novel integrated inspection system for
the accurate evaluation of the structural integrity of rail tracks, FP7, 2009– 2012) is developing and implementing an integrated high-speed system for fast and
reliable inspection of rail tracks. The system is based on automated visual Alternated Current Field Measurement (ACFM) and ultrasonic techniques combined in a single architecture. The system will operate together with novel semi-automated testing equipment for verification and evaluation of the defects detected during high-speed inspection.
The SMART-RAIL project (Smart Maintenance and Analysis of Transport
Infrastructure FP7, 2011-2014) is reducing replacement costs, delays and developing
environmentally friendly maintenance solutions for ageing railway infrastructure networks. State-of-the-art methods are being developed to monitor and assess the safety of railway infrastructure. These assessments will be used to design remediation strategies to prolong the life of infrastructure cost-effectively with minimum environmental impact.
The ALARP project (Railway automatic track warning system based on
distributed personal mobile terminals, FP7, 2010-2012) is designing and
developing an innovative, more efficient Automatic Track Warning System to improve the safety of railway trackside workers.
The EUREMCO project (European Railway Electromagnetic Compatibility, FP7,
2011-2014) is improving the technical interoperability of European railways by
harmonising and reducing the certification process of rail vehicle against Electromagnetic Compatibility. Conditions for cross-accepted certification in Europe will be specified
The MAINLINE project (MAINtenance, renewaL and Improvement of rail
transport iNfrastructure to reduce Economic and environmental impacts, FP7, 2011-2014) is addressing new technologies to extend the lifetime of infrastructure.
Models for more realistic estimations of lifecycle cost and safety will be improved. New construction methods will be developed for use in replacing obsolete infrastructure. Monitoring techniques and management tools will be developed to assess lifetime environmental and economic impact.
7.
Sub-Theme: Maritime and Inland
Waterway Traffic and Infrastructure
Management
This section investigates two modes of waterborne transport, maritime and inland waterways. The first one studies the management of the maritime transport from both the strategic and technical perspectives. The second focuses on the studies which aim at establishing the inland waterways presence in the intermodal logistic chains.
Background
The EU has different policy priorities for maritime and inland waterways transport. Maritime transport is one of the busiest modes in Europe and in the world. Today, alongside the necessity to be even more efficient, there is an increasing need for greater safety and security and for less environmental impact. Compared to other transport modes that are confronted with increasing congestion and capacity problems, inland waterways transport is characterised by its reliability and low environmental impact. However, use is low compared to the potential capacity. This difference in policy priorities is reflected in the research projects funded within FP6 and FP7.
Research
The research projects in this sub-theme are categorised within two clusters: safe, efficient and environmentally friendly maritime traffic management; and competitive and efficient inland waterways transport.
The first cluster deals with the research projects that contribute to safe, efficient and environmentally friendly maritime traffic management in Europe. Research projects illustrate that there is still much to be done to make maritime transport an efficient and sustainable transport mode.
Projects such as FLAGSHIP, MARNIS, NAVTRONIC and ARIADNA focused on reducing the administrative burden of the crew. Safety and security are important aspects of EU maritime transport policy. During an emergency, severe weather conditions or other dangerous situations, maritime transport management can be facilitated with the aid of decision support systems developed in projects such as ADOPT and HANDLING WAVES, DSS-DC, FLOODSTAND and SAFEWIN. The HORIZON project focused on the human factor in transport safety and investigated fatigue of the crew during long shifts. The SAFELOAD project focused on management of a maritime operation and proposed innovative solutions for the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) offload. The ARGOMARINE project focuses on monitoring marine traffic and linked pollution events. All projects in the first cluster contribute to the EU objective on the development of sustainable maritime transport through the facilitation of the maritime traffic and operation management.
Integration of inland waterways transport into the intermodal logistics chain is seen as a next step in supporting the competitive position of this transport mode. The second category of projects, competitive and efficient inland waterways transport, presents the RISING project, which contributes to strengthening the competitive position of the inland waterways transport in Europe.
Safe, efficient and environmentally friendly maritime traffic
management
The FLAGSHIP project (European Framework for Safe, Efficient and
Environmentally Friendly Ship Operations, FP6, 2007-2011) contributed to
reducing the administrative burden and to optimising the crew’s operative work. Project has contributed to the EC initiative of the e-Maritime concept development (development of the maritime sector supported by internet-based applications). The project results include a system of indicators for main engines, auxiliaries and thrusters; a tool for monitoring energy production and consumption levels from onboard and onshore; a tool on applicable rules and legislation cargoes and ships in geographic areas; a tool for ship/shore emergency management; and a decision support tool on managing ship stability and determining when to evacuate large ships.
The ADOPT project (Advanced Decision-support system for Ship Design,
Operation and Training, FP6, 2005 -2008) developed tools to assist a ship’s master
in identifying and avoiding hazardous situations. The project developed a decision-support system (DSS) to evaluate the quality and reliability of the information displayed. In addition to a software/hardware package for on-board use, a procedural process with three modes of use (design, training and operational) was proposed, each with appropriate tools. The ADOPT concept was tested in a demonstration prototype in a simulated environment.
The HANDLING WAVES project (Decision Support System for ship operation in
rough weather, FP6, 2007- 2009) improved ships’ performance, and thus efficiency
by addressing operational factors of ship operability and availability. An on-board DSS was developed for tactical decisions on ship handling in waves to support the master in improving ship performance and in minimising the likelihood of structural damage.
The MARNIS project (Maritime Navigation and Information Services, FP6,
2004-2008) supported the development of the EU concept e-Maritime by improving
information exchange from ship to shore, shore to ship and between shore-based stakeholders. The Maritime Information Management system was developed which means that the ship’s master is required to report only once while all other updates are fed automatically to the relevant authorities. Early reporting improves planning for ports and related maritime services. The Maritime Operational Services concept was developed for innovative use of resources and technologies for shore-based operators to monitor and provide appropriate assistance to ships in coastal waters, shifting the emphasis from remedial to proactive services. Identification of high-risk ships enables appropriate measures to be taken to reduce the threat to coastlines and oceans.
The SAFE OFFLOAD project (Safe Offloading from Floating LNG Platforms, FP6,
2006-2008) designed a management solution for the maritime operation – offloading
from floating LNG platforms. Environmental models were developed to predict near-future waves, wind and current events relevant to decision making on offloading. Numerical models relating to offloading were developed and tested. Environmental conditions affecting floating liquefied natural gas systems and the interactions between two vessels during LNG offloading to and from a shuttle carrier were studied and decision-support methods for offloading operations were developed.
