Enabling an AUTOnomous and FLEXible hinterland transport ecosystem: Main modal shift issues and potential transport solutions

While autonomous ships are said to be an enabler for modal shift in Europe, they require a broader transformation of the transport and business ecosystems to be effective. That is, current logistics paradigms and rapid advancements in zero-emission road transport may inadvertently incentivise a shift away from waterborne transport. This study explores this conundrum, by looking at the role of ports as integrated logistics and energy hubs, the revitalization of abandoned transhipment sites, and the reduction of transport waste as potential solutions. Conceptualizations of novel transport components are proposed, aimed at enhancing the flexibility, sustainability, and efficiency of intermodal transport ecosystems using IWT and thus potentially unlocking progress toward Europe’s modal shift goals.