Trade imbalances and global disturbances generate mismatches in the supply and demand of empty containers (ECs) that elevate the need for empty container repositioning (ECR). This research investigated dry ports as a potential means to minimize EC movements, and thus reduce costs and emissions. We assessed the environmental and economic effects of two ECR strategies via dry ports—street turns and extended free temporary storage—considering different scenarios of collaboration between shipping lines with different levels of container substitution. A multi-paradigm simulation combined agent-based and discrete-event modelling to represent flows and estimate kilometers travelled, CO2 emissions, and costs resulting from combinations of ECR strategies and scenarios. Full ownership container substitution combined with extended free temporary storage at the dry port (FTDP) most improved ECR metrics, despite implementation challenges. Our results may be instrumental in increasing shipping lines’ collaboration while reducing environmental impacts in up to 32 % of the inland ECR emissions. © 2023 The Author(s)

The purpose of the KAJ-EL project was to offer decision support to ports and shipping companies about the implementation and use of shoreside electricity in Swedish ports. More specifically, this project investigated the following, among other questions related to shore power: • the driving forces and barriers among ports and shipping companies to offer or use shore power; • the decision making, steps and actors involved in the process of adopting shore power; • the costs and business arrangements for installing and operating shore power; • the challenges in the installation and operation of shore power; • the different shore power equipment used in Swedish ports and on board vessels; • the actions and condition to realise OPS adoption to a larger extent. The project group included researchers and experts in shipping, transport, logistics, economics, and human factors from SSPA and the University of Gothenburg, and included industry partners Svensk Sjöfart (Swedish Ship Owners’ Association) and Sveriges Hamnar (Ports of Sweden). In addition, industry and authorities were involved in a reference group with representatives from shipping companies, ports and electricity providers. Interviews were performed with various ports in Sweden, a port in Norway (Kristiansand) as well as the US ports of Long Beach and Seattle to compare the perspectives. Shipping companies were interviewed, as were a number of OPS equipment manufacturers, national grid operators and electricity providers. Two workshops and a final seminar were also conducted. This report presents an overview of the OPS situation in Sweden and provides principles for business models as well as recommendations for ports’ and shipping companies’ OPS work. It can be noted that Sweden is at the European forefront of OPS in the sense that it currently has nine cities offering OPS, with main focus so far on the ro-pax and ferry segment. Actors, in particular ports, perceive that the regulatory pressure to offer OPS is increasing and the knowledge about OPS, especially among non-experienced ports, is still limited. Further guidance on OPS installations and operations is therefore needed, in terms of the financial, business, technical and operational issues that the actors must deal with. One major question is how to secure the electricity supply to the ports. Collaboration between actors is key to successful OPS implementation and a higher level of standardisation can facilitate technical choices. Several areas in need of further research are highlighted in this report, such as investigating possible future power demand scenarios from using OPS, and supply strategies for ports. The project received funding from Trafikverket (The Swedish Transport Administration).

För att Sverige ska kunna nå målet om att bli ett av världens första fossilfria välfärdsländer krävs en omställning till ett fossilfritt transportsystem såväl som till en cirkulär ekonomi. Sjöfart har potential att matcha de behov som en ökad cirkulär ekonomi ställer och är ett energieffektivt trafikslag. Syftet med rapporten är att förstå hur sjöfart kan nyttjas i ökad utsträckning för att transportera cirkulära produkter och material och hur hamnen kan skapa mervärde i utveckling av cirkulära logistiklösningar. Metoderna som använts är: litteraturstudier, workshops och fallstudier. Rapporten identifierar cirkulära produkter och material med potential att lyfta sig i avfallstrappan och där det är lämpligt att nyttja sjöfart för transport i det cirkulära logistiksystemet. Det handlar om muddermassor, jordmassor, mineralavfall, träavfall, plastavfall, uttjänta däck, uttjänta textilier, sorterade och återvunna textilier, planglas, spillolja och flygaska. Hamnens roll vid hantering av cirkulära material studerades mer specifikt för massor, dissolvingmassa baserad på återvunna textilier, matrester och etanol. Det blev tydligt att hamnen kan skapa värde i form av lagring, konsolidering, lossning och lastning av containrar samt vara en logistiknod som erbjuder omlastningsmöjligheter mellan olika trafikslag. Hamnen känner till de lokala förutsättningarna för effektiva logistikupplägg och är en central kugge i nya aktörsnätverk. Rapporten redovisar även en beskrivning av två cirkulära logistiklösningar med involvering av sjöfart som utvecklats och utvärderats under projektet. Det handlar dels om en demonstration av en sjötransport med kalkstabiliserad lera, dels om framtagning av beslutsunderlag för investering av en tilltänkt sorteringsmaskin av planglas i vilket logistikupplägg från ett antal olika hamnar förslogs och miljöberäkningar genomfördes.

PurposeExplicit descriptions of studied systems can support researchers in clarifying objects of study and motives of research as well as in structuring research design. However, since many scholars of systems approaches operate outside the field of logistics, applying systems approaches in logistics can be challenging. The purpose of this paper is therefore to describe how a systems approach can be applied in logistics so as to provide guidance for logistics researchers in their descriptions of studied systems.Design/methodology/approachTwo systems approaches were used to describe the systems studied in six doctoral theses. A series of workshops was conducted to compare the descriptions and share challenges.FindingsKey aspects for adapting the selected systems approaches corresponded to four areas of logistics—activities, flow, performance, and actors—all of which can be included in the selected systems approaches. Advice for doctoral students on applying these frameworks is provided.Research limitations/implicationsThis research can provide support to other logistics researchers when applying systems approaches and developing explicit descriptions of studied systems.Original/valueSystems approaches are central to logistics research, a field in which scholars are encouraged to apply well-known systems approaches. This paper contributes value by providing explicit examples of how such approaches were applied in six logistics research projects.

Improving load factor is relevant for shippers due to its potential in reducing both transport costs and emissions. The purpose is to structure shippers’ opportunities to increase load factor according to required and available capacity. A framework is developed from literature, and in-depth understanding is provided by three cases, with data mainly collected through semi-structured interviews. Shippers’ opportunities to increase load factor are structured per decreasing, increasing, or reallocating required or available capacity. Required capacity can be changed by adjusting number of items, item characteristics, and how items are combined. Available capacity can be changed by adjusting number and type of units. Changes that improved load factor are described in detail for each case. Load factor is calculated for the packaging and shipping levels. An approach that logistics managers can apply to identify opportunities relevant to their situations is presented. Findings are relevant to researchers within transport efficiency and green logistics.

Modal shift to more energy-efficient alternatives, such as from road to rail or sea, is one path to reduce negative environmental effects. Transport providers and shippers have crucial roles in modal choice decisions, and a better understanding of the influence of interorganisational factors on modal shift is needed. The purpose is to increase the understanding of opportunities for modal shifts by exploring the influence of power and trust at the interface between transport providers and shippers. Aspects of power (coercive, reward, legitimate, expert and referent) and trust (con-tractual, competence and goodwill) influencing modal shifts were identified from interviews with shippers and transport providers in Sweden. During the initiation phase of modal shift, power ap-pears more important, while trust is shown essential for the duration. By proactively suggesting modal shift, transport providers can use expert power to create rewards and referent power, through recognition of their expertise. Building trust, particularly goodwill trust, such as time in-vested in understanding the other party, transparency about challenges and jointly seeking solu-tions, is key to establish long-term modal shifts. This paper contributes to modal shift literature with insights on power balances and trust between transport providers and shippers. © 2021 by the authors. 

This paper analyses strategies to overcome barriers to a modal shift to inland waterway transport (IWT). Barriers identified in research literature have been categorised as regulatory, financial, service quality and market characteristics. Using two cases involving Swedish entrepreneurs initiating IWT, this paper has shown how barriers to the modal shift to IWT can be managed where markets are limited. Modal shift involves multiple actors, and the entrepreneurs interacted with ports, shippers, shipping companies, regulatory actors, forwarders and hauliers, depending on the barrier. Strategies to manage barriers included negotiating, educating stakeholders, securing volumes, conducting a proof-of-concept run and identifying business opportunities for stakeholders. The findings can increase stakeholders’ knowledge of IWT. Policy makers aiming to promote modal shift must understand that fees and legislation act as barriers. 

Purpose: There can be many negative effects from a disruption in a central node of companies' supply chains, such as a port conflict that reduces capacity. Strategies for disruption management include flexibility and redundancy. This paper aims to analyse a supply chain disruption from flexibility and capacity perspectives. Design/methodology/approach: A case study was conducted of the supply chain disruption caused by the port conflict in 2016–2017 in Gothenburg, in which the port operated at a reduced capacity. Companies importing and exporting goods, freight forwarders, hauliers, train operators, ports, shipping companies and their agents were interviewed. Findings: Various capacity problems (ports, links, container chassis, empty containers) were encountered due to the port conflict. Flexibility measures such as node, mode and fleet flexibility can be used in response to changes in capacity. Difficulties with applying flexibility are discussed. Research limitations/implications: Although based on a Swedish case, findings are relevant for disruptions or other types of disturbances in ports elsewhere and also in other important nodes in companies' supply chains. Practical implications: Actors influenced by disturbances in a port can increase their understanding of potential capacity problems and flexibility measures. Readiness and timely action are important due to competition regarding capacity. Originality/value: The implications on the transport network surrounding a port, including many actors, are explained, illustrating how capacity problems propagate, but there is some flexibility to manage the problems. 

Inland waterway transportation (IWT) in Sweden could be a substitute for road transports with the prospects of improving the environmental performance. Sweden currently has no systematic strategies or policies for transports on inland waterways (IWW), and despite available capacity the waterways are barely utilized. In the Netherlands, for example, the IWW capacity is embedded in the transport system and utilized to a large extent. For a successful modal shift it is important to understand the drivers and barriers for the shift and develop strategies to leverage the drivers and mitigate the barriers. This study aims to identify drivers and barriers for IWT based on successful benchmark cases in the Netherlands. Furthermore, based on the learning from these benchmarks the study aims to point out strategic actions for Sweden regarding IWT. The data for this study was collected from IWT organizations, shippers and local administrations in the Netherlands. The results showed that main drivers for IWT are congestion relief, cost reduction and lower environmental impact. On the other hand, main barriers are slow pace of development, high investment costs and poor hinterland connectivity. For a successful modal shift in Sweden, it is crucial to prepare governmental support, a change in stakeholders' mindset, decisive attitude to modal shift process and a strong long-term perspective.

Shifting freight transport from roads to more energy-efficient modes of sea and rail, i.e., a modal shift, is essential to reducing emissions from transport. Two actors influencing the rate of transition to such modes are logistics service providers (LSPs) and shippers. In their relationships, power and trust are vital interorganisational factors that need to be managed. The purpose of this paper is to examine how the existence and use of power and trust and their interplay can facilitate a modal shift in the ongoing relationships between shippers and LSPs. The research is based on an in-depth qualitative case-study of two cases, each consisting of the relationship between a retailer and an LSP. Empirical data was collected through semi-structured interviews, and the analysis was guided by three dimensions of power (resources, processes and meaning) and three types of trust (contractual, competence and goodwill). The results show that power and trust do, indeed, exist and influence modal shift solutions in shipper–LSP relationships. Alignment between shippers and LSPs is found to be vital in terms of the perceptions and values needed to strengthen the power of meaning, and in terms of the processes and participation needed to strengthen the power of processes. Trust is a facilitating factor in both instances, and it also works as a mediating factor in any asymmetry between the power of shippers' resources and LSPs. © 2022 The Authors

Purpose - Increasing load factor is crucial for transport efficiency and may benefit shippers because of its potential to reduce both environmental impact and transportation costs. The purpose of this paper is to explore how shippers can increase load factor in their road transport by identifying opportunities for logistics action and influences on load factor performance measures created by such opportunities. Design/methodology/approach - A case study is performed of the outgoing goods flow from the central warehouse of a large retailer in Sweden. Data are collected from interviews with the shipper and its contracted freight forwarder, as well as from archival sources and visual observations, and applied to produce a framework. Findings - Logistics actions that can increase load factor are identified and categorised according to packaging efficiency, loading efficiency and booking efficiency, all of which are linked to logistics variables and specific performance measures in the framework. Visual observations of volumetric load factor in vehicles indicate room for improvement via, for example, making lead times more flexible. Practical implications - The framework's principles can be used to support shippers in finding opportunities to increase load factor. Originality/value - The framework clarifies the concept of load factor as a whole by explaining each logistics action's contribution to increasing load factor, as well as the actions' combined effect in the context of a shipper and its purchased transport share. 

Although some movements of empty containers are needed due to imbalances between inbound and outbound goods flows in specific geographical areas, the transport of empty containers could be performed more efficiently. This report outlines results from the project “Increasing transport efficiency through reducing positioning of empty containers” performed during 2020-2023 by RISE and Chalmers, and financed by the Swedish Energy Agency. The purpose of the project was to contribute to increasing transport efficiency by understanding how empty container repositioning can be reduced and made more efficient in the Swedish transport system. To provide increased understanding regarding current practices and possible improvement areas, the report describes empty repositioning of containers in the inland container transport, and highlights drivers and barriers to minimize and make empty repositioning more efficient. Data on empty container movements in ports and by truck provide increased understanding of the current state. However, available data only offer partial views of empty container movements. Therefore, an empty trip model was constructed to help understand the proportion of containers that are transported empty between various origin-destination pairs, drawing on the Swedish road goods transport data from Trafikanalys. Several recommendations are made for how to improve data on empty container movements, for example differentiating between 20 and 40 feet containers. Also, this report details strategies for either reducing the empty container repositioning or making it more efficient within the national transport system, with a focus on: a) increased reutilization of containers and b) an increased share of rail compared to truck transport. Reutilization involves matching import and export containers to a larger degree, for example facilitated by extended storage of containers, and also how demands in various regions can be matched more efficiently, where some geographical areas are import dominated and others export dominated. The improvement potential in terms of cost and emissions have been calculated, simulating transport data in specific case studies. One simulation concerned reducing empty container repositioning locally, comparing the current situation with improvements in terms of street turns and extended storage given different collaboration levels. The extended storage scenario delivered the best results, as it significantly increased the likelihood of finding export cargo for an emptied import container. Another simulation considered empty container movements between Swedish inland terminals, identifying a large potential for both reutilization locally and triangulation between terminals compared to the current situation. The report further outlines the outcome of a Multi-Actor-Multi-Criteria-Analysis, where opportunities to reduce empty container repositioning in the hinterland of a port were considered from several stakeholders’ perspectives: shipping lines, transport operators, inland terminals, forwarders, ports and cargo owners. The scenarios evaluated were a) Time Flexibility, where additional days were allowed to find matching export cargo for an emptied import container, b) Container Sharing, where implications of allowing matching of containers of shipping lines in the same alliance were explored, and c) Data Sharing, where increased transparency regarding containers available for export in the inland was explored. The stakeholders preferred different scenarios, and details explaining their reasoning is provided. Drawing on the insights regarding current practices and possible improvement areas, recommendations to industry and authorities are provided. Widespread collaboration between stakeholders is needed, even so, all stakeholders can take action to create better conditions for empty container repositioning. Smarter tools for planning is one example.

One key aspect of efficient transport is load factor: the load carried compared to the maximum load that could be carried in a load unit (e.g. a vehicle). The purpose of this study is to develop an approach that will clarify and describe ways in which shippers can measure load factor. Drawing on existing literature and understanding gained from empirical data the proposed approach uses the load factor model, which structures measurement of load factor overall and at several levels (packaging, shipping, vehicle, fleet) as the ratio of required to available capacity. Shipping level includes utilization of purchased capacity, which is of special interest to shippers. For applying the model in practice, calculation methods linked to availability of data are presented. Calculations of volumetric load factor from two cases illustrate the methods. This paper’s detailed descriptions of how shippers can measure load factor provide calculation structure as well as transparency. Measuring load factor is of interest to evaluate efficiency, particularly since load factor is related to transport costs and environmental performance. 

Road haulage causes undisputed negative environmental impact in terms of CO2-emissions, noise, infrastructure damage, congestion, road accidents and is energy intensive. At longer transport distance (e.g. trans-ocean) maritime transport is preferable as it is more cost efficient. At shorter distances, there are financial, operational, market-related and regulatory issues that make waterway transport less attractive. Meanwhile, as waterway transport is favorable from an environmental perspective, the support for modal shift from road to sea has become an integral part of transport policy both at EU-level and in several countries across Europe. Among the different types of shipping (trans-ocean, short-sea, coastal), inland shipping is of particular importance when it comes to reduce congestion on roads. Ports are most often located in or near large cities, which in particular causes congestion on access roads to ports and the cities, and also in the countries in general. Hence, whereas cost is a barrier that must be overcome, using inland waterway transportation (IWT) is preferable from an environmental perspective, and a modal shift is a highly prioritized issue by governments. In some central European countries, IWT is well developed, while in countries such as Sweden, the share of inland shipping is very low, < 1%, and with no or little container traffic. With well-functioning fairways in inland waterways in Sweden, there is a large potential for increasing its utilization.

Modal shift from road to water is a strategy prioritised by both the European Union and many of its member states. However, inland waterways remain underutilised in most member states, and even the small number of countries in which inland waterway transport is well established, the sector faces fierce competition from road-based solutions. There is potential to develop tools and strategies for expanding the use of inland waterways by better understanding what activities key actors can rely on to facilitate modal shift. In this multiple-case study, we identify activities that actors perform to realise modal shift to inland waterways in five cases from the North Sea Region, by conducting interviews, workshops, and field observations. In each case, the process of modal shift varied depending upon which actor initiated specific activities, the order of performing activities and the number of iterations required to advance. Activities revolved around understanding the current situation, identifying potential solutions, testing solutions and promoting solutions. Getting stakeholders on board and identifying goods flows were integrated in all themes. The structured and emergent approach were outlined, highlighting varying starting points (mature or immature market) and actor engagement (facilitating or initiating roles). Different actors could assume leading roles. Authorities can target initiatives and policies to form relevant alliances and support modal shift by approach, while practitioners can relate and be inspired by the described activities in the varying contexts and adhere to entrepreneurial roles. Realising large-scale modal shift requires multi-actor engagement, openness to emergent solutions and long-term endurance. © 2021 Vendela Santén, Sara Rogerson, Jon Williamsson, Johan Woxenius.

Although not originally developed for research use, the Automatic Identification System (AIS) enables its data to be used in research. The present paper provides a structured overview of how AIS data is used for various research applications. Ten areas have been identified, spread across maritime, marine and other journals. Many stakeholders beyond the most frequently mentioned – authorities and maritime administrations – can benefit from the research in which AIS data is used. AIS data can be incorporated in various types of modelling approaches and play a small or large role as a source of data. AIS data can also be validated or used to validate research from other data sources. Although a large amount of AIS-based research adds to the literature, there is still a large potential for using AIS data for research by making greater use of the variety in AIS messages, combining AIS with other sources of data, and extending both spatial and temporal perspectives.

Modern intermodal nodes of the future – Requirements on knowledge and development

The purpose of the project was to compile existing knowledge to analyze the function, design, and organization of intermodal nodes, as well as identify gaps for future research within Trafikverket’s research program and serve as a basis for Trafikverket's strategic work. The project uses both literature reviews and empirical studies through workshops with experts. The project has five main results:

1. Criteria are proposed to define sustainable intermodal nodes aimed at promoting economic, social, and environmental goals for authorities, cargo owners, and carriers. The aim is to identify challenges and areas where nodes can improve their sustainability to avoid sub-optimization.

2. A two-dimensional matrix is proposed to categorize intermodal nodes according to their role in society's goods supply, as well as the local economy and environment.

3. Various organizational forms for nodes are described, including terminals and associated logistics areas that can be owned and managed by public, private, or combined entities.

4. A discussion on how technological innovations such as electrification, digitization, and automation can affect intermodal nodes in the future.

5. Opportunities and needs for further work and research in the field are presented

International regulations on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as well as strong market demand for zero-emission transport calls for a radical change in the shipping industry. Measures such as hull form optimization, use of alternative fuels and efficient machinery systems, new coatings, and smart routing have already improved the energy efficiency of the world fleet and to some extent its GHG emissions. However, it is far from enough. To make the drastic leap that we need in order to meet the climate challenges, we must turn to emission-free energy sources. One such promising and well-proven zero-emission propulsion system for shipping is wind propulsion. Using wind to power cargo vessels restarted on a commercial scale about a decade ago. Currently, there are 25+ wind-assisted vessels in commercial trade. They are equipped with technologies like Flettner rotors, wings or kites, which gives fuel reductions in the magnitude of 1-20 %. Although these are significant fuel savings, this is still not enough to effectively respond to the challenges for zero GHG emissions of the maritime industry. With the goal of demonstrating that even higher energy reduction and drastic reduction of emissions is possible, 11 representatives of the European maritime industry and research community have recently joined forces in the large scale EU-funded project Orcelle, led by Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean. The current paper will present the project’s ambition, scope of work and expected outcome. 

Modal shift from land to water is prioritized in transport policies throughout Europe. As indicated in earlier research on intermodal shift, new business models are needed for intermodal services to get a foothold in challenging markets. The purpose of the paper is to analyze business model development for inland waterway transport (IWT) in order to identify principal characteristics that support the switch from land to water. This paper reports on the development, and testing, of new business models for IWT services targeting containerized goods in West Sweden. The research is based on case studies of two recent entrepreneurial attempts to establish such services. From the case studies three business models were developed for stakeholders to evaluate. The tests were conducted through a stakeholder oriented multi-actor multi-criteria analysis (MAMCA). The results revealed strengths and weaknesses with the business models that have implications for the Swedish setting as well as general support for intermodal shift. The paper ends by discussing how stakeholders can support the development of viable business models for IWT.

Onshore power supply (OPS) reduces emissions from vessels docked in port. Historically, the uptake of OPS has been low, and research indicates that potential OPS adopters face multiple complex barriers. Based on a systematic literature review, this paper presents a framework for categorizing barriers and drivers to the implementation of OPS and identifies potential areas for future research. The review indicates that research on barriers to OPS was limited until 2019, when interest increased considerably, coinciding with mounting stakeholder concerns and regulatory pressure. The suggested framework divides barriers and drivers divided into four key categories: (i) technology and operations, (ii) institutional elements, (iii) economic elements, and (iv) stakeholder elements. The framework then superimposes those categories on three main areas of concern: port, transmission, and vessel. Research has identified potential solutions to specific barriers, but the complexity of OPS highlights the need for a collaborative approach to OPS. Additionally, as regulatory pressure is rising, more research is needed on the systemic implications of OPS as well as the potential use of incentives, pricing, and business models to tackle the high cost of implementation. © 2022 by the authors.