Green Logistics: EFIP and Port Governance Agеncy

Turi Fiorito, European federation of inland ports

Europe has set ambitious transport, environment and climate goals in its Green Deal. The policies and initiatives that aim to achieve these goals are currently being developed. EFIP believes that the role and place of inland ports within these developments is essential.

As such, PGAs membership of EFIP comes at an important time. Questions of sustainability and air quality are at the forefront. For inland ports sustainability issues include, but are not limited to, shore side charging facilities and renewable energy supply and storage (such as hydrogen and batteries). Simultaneously this is accompanied by the building of infrastructure in port areas to supply both IWT vessels, rail and lorries with renewable energy.

European inland ports are located at the crossroads of IWT, rail and road; multimodality is at their core, but we are still far removed from the potential that a true multimodal system offers. As logistics demands increase and crises occur, solutions are needed. A full multimodal approach is required to maximise all of Europes transport capacity and allow for flexibility. With new multimodal opportunities increasing, European inland ports are further developing their hub function. They are not only relying on their role connecting seaports to inland markets but also supporting interregional transport networks reaching as far as EastAsia.

In order to stay competitive, inland ports are deploying digital systems that increase efficiency and promote multimodal transport. As new innovative forms of transport develop, inland ports adapt. Autonomous vessels, trains and lorries will be active within the logistics sector and inland ports will support them. These components, innovations and developments are consolidating European inland ports as multimodal enablers of green logistics.

It is EFIPs continued goal to support inland ports across Europe and help realise the goals of the European Green Deal. EFIPs brings together over 200 inland ports across Europe and acts as theirvoice in the EU. At the same time, it brings together its members to exchange ideas and increase cooperation, such as through the Open Innovation Challenge.

PGAs work and commitment reflects the goal of EFIP. Their continued work to promote inland shipping and ports means not only the strengthening of logistical links within Serbia but also the promotion of sustainable transport across Europe. PGAs EFIP membership further solidifies its international commitment to green logistics across the Danube.