On Wednesday 6 November, the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) and the European Federation of Inland Ports (EFIP) published a joint document calling for the strengthening of port-rail connectivity in the European Union’s transport policy.
“Improving the port-rail connectivity to enable efficient cargo flows should be seen as an important element of the completion of the TEN-T” [Trans-European Transport Network], said Isabelle Ryckbost, Secretary General of ESPO. According to her, the rail sector can play an important role in providing European ports with “efficient and sustainable hinterland connections” to ensure that these ports operate at their best.
In addition, both organisations consider that the development of efficient rail links to and from ports, as well as within the port, are also essential to maximise the use of rail as a sustainable mode of transport and to meet the priorities set by the TEN-T legislation.
“Rail and inland waterway transport together represent the most optimal. green transport combination”, said Turi Fiorito, EFIP Director.
To consult the ESPO and EFIP document: https://bit.ly/2NngZw8 (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)