Bulk Distributor May/Jun 19 | Page 12

12 B ULK D ISTRIBUTOR transport logistic Preview May/June 2019 Much ado about Munich T he biennial transport logistic event opens its doors at Munich Messe from 4-7 June. As usual, the event features a comprehensive range of workshops, seminars and conferences to support the vast exhibition. Discussion topics this year include the future of rail freight transport, how can Europe’s logistics industry participate in China’s New Silk Road, and driver shortages in the road freight sector. Back on the rails Inner tank cleaning for silo and tank vehicles TOP TANK CLEANING Rail freight transport is losing market share in domestic transport within the European Union (EU). In Germany, the ‘Rail Freight Master Plan’ is now expected to increase the share of rail in modal share signifi cantly by 2030 to cope with the continuing growth of freight transport and to achieve climate targets. But is this a role model for other countries? Compared with the EU as a whole, Germany currently is in the middle with a share of rail freight transport of 19 percent. A number of emergency measures are expected to increase the proportion signifi cantly and relieve the burden on roads. These include line upgrading, modernisation, subsidies for route charges, automation and more funding for innovation projects. “The success of the master plan is extremely important not only for the logistics industry, but also for the entire economy in Germany,” says Stefan Rummel, managing director of Messe München. “Consequently, the initiative will also be discussed during transport logistic.” According to Eurostat, the share of rail freight transport in domestic transport in the EU even fell from 18.7 percent in 2011 to 17.4 percent in 2016. However, the picture is heterogeneous; while two- thirds of freight is transported by rail in Latvia, the proportion is only fi ve percent in Spain. Greater attractiveness for even more hazardous substances Carcinogens Hazardous to reproduction Genetically harmful Volatile halogenated hydrocarbons Substances containing free chlorine “A co-ordinated approach between the state and industry, as agreed in the master plan, is the only way to implement the necessary innovations and investments in rail freight transport on a broad front,” comments Sarah Stark, head of European policy, rail technology and rail transport at the German Transport Forum. As an initial successful measure, the EU Commission has approved state aid of €350 million to promote rail freight transport in Germany. The money is intended to reimburse companies up to 45 percent for the route charges they have to pay for using the railway network. “This reduces operating costs as a result, which signifi cantly increases the competitiveness of rail freight,” Stark notes. It is also crucial to promote investment in digitalisation and automation. As an example, Stark cites automatic coupling, shunting and humping of freight cars. “However, such measures only make sense if the freight cars of all railway companies are geared towards this technology. After all, freight trains consist of cars from very different operators,” she adds. She calls for a state-sponsored market launch programme of more than €1 billion to initiate innovation, half of which is to be fi nanced by the business sector. Stark considers the inclusion of a budget item ‘Future Rail Freight Transport Programme’ in the German Federal Budget 2020 as a milestone. Your Perfect Cleaning Service for the Rhineland. Complete, transparent and quiet Those who pass Cologne will not miss us. For one thing due to the ideal transport connection to the highway and the container terminal. For another because we offer many services that you will not get elsewhere: We are certified for special hazardous materials and clean according to the strictest hygienic, legal and environmental requirements. Whether you would like to have your food tanks, silo tanks or chemical tanks cleaned - we do it all. You can rely on: Security & trust ADR Services: cleaning, GMP HACCP IBC heating & handling FREE CONTAINER Accessories & spare parts | Bistro | Driver showers | Bonus cards Opening hours: » Mon. - Fri. 6:00 am - 10:00 pm and also by prior appointment Cologne Am Eifeltor 4 (access 2) | 50997 Phone.: +49 221 - 36 79 39 - 17 | Fax: +49 221 - 36 79 39 - 15 info@ ttc-koeln.de | www.ttc-koeln.de The largest freight railway in Europe, DB Cargo, is investing heavily in the digitalisation and modernisation of its fl eet and has already equipped more than 20,000 freight cars with intelligent sensors. “We will have equipped our approximately 68,000 cars with these by the end of 2020. Among other things, we can view up-to-date GPS data via a central system. Transport chains can be monitored The share of rail transport in modal share is expected to increase signifi cantly by 2030