ERFA ANNUAL CONFERENCE DEBATES RAIL FREIGHT
Last week, at the annual event organised by the European Rail Freight Association (ERFA), Kristian Schmidt, Director for Land Transport at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE), outlined the Commission’s perspective on the current challenges and future direction of the rail freight sector.
Mr Schmidt acknowledged the difficult situation facing rail freight, noting that rail’s modal share has continued to decline in recent years and currently stands at around 11%, while road transport accounts for approximately 77% of freight transport. He referred to a “perfect storm” of geopolitical, economic and energy-related pressures, including the consequences of the war in Ukraine, which continue to affect the sector.
He also pointed to changing economic patterns and growth opportunities in intermodal transport. While intermodal traffic continues to expand, he cautioned against abandoning block train services entirely, underlining their continued importance in the context of potential reindustrialisation efforts and evolving supply chains within Europe. Mr Schmidt highlighted the importance of stronger port-rail connectivity, as increasing the share of rail in hinterland connections remains essential, particularly for goods entering Europe through maritime gateways. Finally, he told the audience that DG MOVE is working very fast to implement the Capacity Regulation once it enters into force in summer and is working on a revision of the European Agency for Railways (ERA).
Source: Railfreight.com