Optimizing the Multimodal Maritime Container Distribution Network: The Case of the Netherlands

Developing an efficient and effective multimodal freight transport network is an important European Commission (EC) strategy to achieve a sustainable transport system. However, multimodal freight transport has been shown to be hardly competitive for haulages shorter than 300 km. This is particularly a problem in the countries like the Netherlands, as most of the containers are transported over short distances. The authors present an integrated multimodal network optimization model for strategic long-term planning, which considers the infrastructure configuration and alternative hub service networks. In particular, they evaluate alternatives for optimizing the container transport network focusing on inland waterway transport. The benefits gained from consolidation effects do not compensate for the extra costs of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions. The effects of CO2 pricing that aims to reduce CO2 emissions are limited. Closing those terminals which are not able to attract an appropriate volume of freight flows increases the overall network efficiency. The analysis on the service networks operated by the barge transport mode indicates that one of the hub-and-spoke configurations would be promising in competing with the shuttle (barge) services in the markets which are developing, according to a scenario based on the estimated demand for Dutch container transport in the year 2040.