The Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (ERC) and the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) have called to “strengthen the port-rail interface”, in a joint position published on Monday 9 March. They set out their joint priorities for improving connections between Europe’s railways and ports, as well as enhancing the performance of hinterland logistics chains.
On the one hand, they want the regulatory framework to be simplified. They are asking European legislators to examine, in collaboration with industry experts, to what extent the existing European rail regulatory framework and the requirements specifically applicable to the port-rail interface could be simplified without compromising the safety and interoperability of operations.
On the other hand, they want to improve coordination between the port and rail ecosystems, through a joint commitment by all the key players, including port authorities, infrastructure managers, rail freight companies and terminal operators. According to them, “priority actions include better coordinated planning and investment, streamlined operational frameworks, and enhanced digitalisation, including data sharing and standardised IT systems, to support planning, predictability and operations to and within ports”.
Lastly, they called for adequate funding, in particular through European subsidies, which “remain indispensable to address infrastructure gaps, strengthen dual-use readiness and support projects with high European added value”.
Read the position: https://aeur.eu/f/l3f (Original version in French by Anne Damiani)