EPCA ITN Workshop 18 February 2025: Accelerating the Future of Intermodal Transport
Driving Sustainable and Efficient Transport Solutions
The European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) Intermodal Transportation Network (ITN) workshop gathered industry leaders, policymakers, and logistics experts to explore the future of intermodal transport. The event provided a platform to assess progress, identify challenges, and propose solutions to optimize intermodal logistics, fostering a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient supply chain.
The ITN Journey so far
Over the past two years, the ITN initiative has taken significant steps to promote intermodal transportation. Through surveys, webinars, and workshops, key industry players have worked together to tackle existing barriers and develop strategic solutions. A Deloitte-led survey highlighted that while most logistics service providers (LSPs) and shippers see the potential of intermodal transport, adoption remains limited due to cost concerns, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory hurdles.
Key Discussions and Takeaways
1. The Growing Commitment to Intermodal Transport
- 70% of surveyed companies have specific sustainability goals related to transportation.
- 87% of respondents expect intermodal transport volumes to grow over the next three years.
- However, only 43% have seen an increase in intermodal use in the past two years, indicating untapped potential.
2. Challenges hindering Intermodal Adoption
- Higher costs compared to road transport, primarily due to transshipment expenses.
- A lack of sufficient intermodal terminals and infrastructure.
- Complex regulatory requirements and operational inefficiencies.
- Resistance to change due to habit and perceived inconvenience.
3. Legislative and Digital Advancements to Boost Adoption
- The European Commission is working on regulatory frameworks to facilitate intermodal transport, including the eFTI (Electronic Freight Transport Information) regulation.
- Investments in digitalization, such as the KV4.0 Data Hub, are improving visibility, efficiency, coordination and standardization across intermodal supply chains.
- Infrastructure improvements, such as the expansion of Spain’s rail network, are helping increase capacity and competitiveness.
4. Economic and Environmental Benefits of Intermodal Transport from 2050
- Intermodal transport offers a 70% improvement in energy efficiency compared to road transport.
- It reduces road congestion by 50% and decreases accidents by 95%.
- Expected annual economic benefits from a fully optimized intermodal system amount to €314 billion by 2050.
5. Next Steps: Scaling Up Intermodal Solutions
- Increased collaboration among shippers, LSPs, and infrastructure providers.
- Adoption of standardized digital solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
- Continued investment in infrastructure and regulatory support to enable seamless intermodal operations.
- A shift in mindset from viewing intermodal as an alternative to road transport to recognizing its potential in creating new logistics models.
Conclusion
The EPCA ITN workshop reinforced the need for a concerted industry effort to accelerate intermodal transport adoption. While challenges remain, the combination of regulatory support, digital innovation, and infrastructure investment paves the way for a more sustainable and cost-effective logistics ecosystem. Now is the time for industry leaders to act, ensuring that intermodal transport becomes the backbone of future supply chains.
Find out more about EPCA’s ITN: https://epca.eu/itn
Brought to you by the Supply Chain Program Committee of EPCA. The SCPC is currently composed of 20 members representing petrochemical producers, LSPs, distributors, digital companies and peer sectorial associations - and is coordinated by EPCA.
✋ Interested to know more? Drop us an email: scpc.committee@epca.eu