Poland’s central location in Europe, favorable in terms of communication, should determine the development of the railway network and its border crossings, and foster the growth of international transport. The European Union’s transport policy aims at the balanced development of individual branches, the promotion of ecological forms of transport, the liberalization of the rail freight market, and the removal of technical barriers that hinder the free movement of rail traffic across the borders of member states and neighboring countries. These directions are recognized as priorities in the common transport policy. The free movement of goods and services is the foundation of the single European market. Its creation would not be, and is not, possible without adequate and systemic logistics support. One of the essential conditions for the functioning of the market is the requirement for the interoperability of the transport system, which is a key factor in the development of European integration.
International rail transport, however, requires proper organization, modern technologies, and the integration of transport networks, which is significant for the quality of services provided and transport capacity. The link between different transport systems (including at the junction of different track gauges) is provided by transshipment terminals adapted for efficient handling. Although the EU has for several years begun a process aimed at ensuring rail interoperability within the territory of Europe, given the scale of the problem, this process will certainly take a relatively long time. It should be borne in mind that this problem concerns both the technical and organizational spheres.
In the European rail transport system, there are:
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differences in consignment notes (SMGS, CIM),
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varying states of quality of line and point infrastructure as well as rolling stock,
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different voltages in the overhead contact line and many safety systems,
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different track gauges, different loading gauges, and permissible axle loads.
Among the technical barriers, we can list:
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14 safety systems – railway traffic control,
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5 track gauges,
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5 variations of loading gauges for 1435 mm track,
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4 electric traction power supply systems,
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11 variations of pantograph width.
At the junction of railways with different track gauges, an important issue is the rapid transshipment of goods or the adjustment of wheelsets to the new line parameters. Among traditional forms, the most effective solution for the rapid transshipment of goods in the so-called general cargo segment, compared to the costs incurred, is intermodal transport. A cargo unit, such as a container, swap body, or the less frequently used semi-trailer, ensures the movement of cargo from one means of transport to another without the need for direct transshipment. Table 1 compares traditional solutions for moving cargo at the junction of two track gauges with new technologies.
The advantages of transporting highly processed goods in integrated cargo units have caused a significant increase in their transport, especially in maritime shipping. The growth of intermodal transport is also influenced by the expanding range of goods transported in containers, for example, fuels, chemicals, steel, or paper. Large European ports specializing in this segment of transport are increasingly striving for rapid delivery to inland terminals, which act as consolidation terminals, due to the limited throughput capacity of their terminals and storage capabilities. Logistics chains, especially for high-value goods, should be characterized by a smooth and rapid flow so that the capital frozen in the goods can be quickly recovered. Intermodal transport in Western Europe currently constitutes one of the most dynamically developing forms of transport and accounts for about 15% of the total rail freight volume. The large flow of intermodal cargo among our neighbors has a significant impact on the growth dynamics of transport in our country as well, especially regarding transit transport from West to East. To optimize European rail transport, it is necessary to apply advanced logistics solutions, which can increase the efficiency of individual forms of transport, including combined transport. The opportunities for acquiring new, innovative technologies, or already proven ones, belong primarily to large corporations and multinational companies. Modern transport solutions are expensive (partly due to the scale of the problem), which significantly translates into the freight rates paid by customers. Therefore, the introduction of innovative technologies for wider use is a relatively difficult and long-term process. Trends towards globalization, the integration of transport and logistics systems, and the development of information and communication technologies are changing the existing layout of global trade and, consequently, the directions of physical cargo flow, especially in the East Asian region. These changes contribute to economic growth, better resource allocation, and increased competition.
The article comes from the “Logistyka” magazine 6/2009.