Launched in 2023 by the European Commission, the Green Inland Ports Study recognises the crucial role of inland ports within the EU’s transport infrastructure network.
By showcasing environmental best practices, introducing innovative ideas for urban and short-range inland waterway transport, and optimizing the use of digital services, the study aims to expand the pivotal role of inland ports in achieving the targets of the EU Green Deal. Moreover, the study will develop an environmental and sustainability tool to enable inland ports to measure their environmental performance, both presently and in the future.
In this context, the Green Inland Ports Study will identify and evaluate the factors affecting the sustainable development of inland ports and propose solutions for the implementation of green objectives. To do so, a survey has been launched for stakeholders to contribute to shaping the future of inland ports, fostering environmental sustainability, and facilitating digital innovation within the industry.
Aims of the survey
The survey will focus on the environmental impact of inland ports, innovative urban, and short-range inland waterway transport, as well as digitalisation of inland ports. The specific objectives per theme are as follows:
- Environmental impact of inland ports: the objective is to document environmental effects of inland port activities (e.g., air and water quality, waste, noise, dust, sediments), the related legislation, and environmental effects not addressed by legislation.
- Innovative urban mobility and short-range inland waterway transport: the study will also contribute to the adoption of inland waterway transport beyond its traditional markets; this will be done by identifying existing initiatives over Europe and by analysing the challenges, success factors and potential for other urban areas of these examples.
- Digitalisation of inland ports: the potential of digitalisation for greening inland port operations, ensuring multimodality and facilitating sustainable development of ports will also be assessed. The findings of this study will be clustered in a digitalisation masterplan for inland ports and terminals.
The survey will collect valuable data and insights, which will inform potential targeted in-depth interviews. It will be tailored to the specific context and requirements of each stakeholder involved.
Get involved in shaping the future of inland ports, fostering environmental sustainability, and facilitating digital innovation within the industry, by completing the survey.
For any questions or further information, stakeholders are encouraged to reach out to the study team via email at [email protected].