Enhancing logistical sustainability: the role of multimodal networks in minimizing external costs

Abstract

The European Union Strategy for transforming the economy into an ecological and sustainable one, regards multimodality as a key factor. The European Green Deal related to transport acts as a roadmap whose main purpose is to reduce the external costs. In order to highlight the performance of a multimodal transport system we made a research on external costs for a grain transport between Botosani-Romania and Port of Rotterdam-Netherlands. We used an algorithm for establishing the external costs specific to each analysed route, including rail, road, inland and maritime transport. The external costs from the transport sector plays a major role in the organization of logistic chain. The analysis emphasizes the benefits and operational efficiencies gained by using multimodal solutions over traditional direct/unimodal freight corridors in freight logistics. The development of an efficient and environmentally friendly multimodal transport should be at the centre of national, regional and international policies. It will ensure an increase in transport efficiency that will have a major impact on external costs and safety, as well as on enhancing logistical sustainability, a fundamental aspect of the European Green Deal.