DOWNLOAD PLAN AS PDF
Modal shift plan
The transition to water in 4 steps
Shifting flows of goods from road to water offers several advantages. For example, it has a positive impact on reducing CO2 emissions in the supply chain. In addition, supply chains become more predictable and reliability of deliveries increases. With the NPRC’s Modal Shift Plan, you can quickly identify promising transport flows and work towards a pilot project to gain more experience. How does this process work?
Step 1: Quick Scan
We first look at the feasibility of rerouting cargo flows. We do this on the basis of opportunities, addressing the following questions:
- What are the volumes of the various flows?
- What is the origin and destination of the goods?
- Over which distances will the cargo be transported?
- Is it possible to combine cargo flows?
In addition, we look at the reliability of delivery and other risks of the current road network:
- What is the possible impact of traffic jams?
- Will a driver shortage come into play?
- What is the impact of late delivery / low stock levels?
Step 2: Supply Chain Design
Together with our Supply Chain Engineers, the most promising flows are identified. On the basis of product-specific characteristics and the production process, a supply chain design is created that takes the following into account:
- The type of goods and the resulting transport requirements
- Suitable transhipment locations
- Lead times and route optimisation
- Vessel size to be used
- First & last mile trucking
- (Iron) stock
Step 3: Business Case Modal Shift
After the supply chain design, it is time to compare the current (financial) situation with several potential water-based scenarios. We take the following into account in our calculations:
- Supply chain costs
- Terminal and transhipment costs
- First mile and last mile trucking
- Inland shipping costs
- Stock costs
- CO2 emissions
Potential savings are taken into account and these can have a positive effect on internal processes.
Step 4: Pilot Project
‘The proof of the pudding is in the eating’. That is why we get straight to work on testing the practice against the theory of the business case in question.
The pilot is non-binding and serves mainly to gain practical experience. NPRC has various digital tools to monitor the pilot and perform analyses. For example, the iBarge app provides insight into all process steps in terms of time, costs and CO2 emissions. After the pilot, a data-driven evaluation occurs and experiences and improvements are shared. After a positive pilot, you are ready to make the definitive modal shift.
Would you like to know more about our ‘Modal Shift Plan’ and to find out which cargo flows are suitable for transport by inland shipping? Wilco Volker and Margriet Geluk are happy to help.
DOWNLOAD PLAN AS PDFDownload the Modal Shift plan PDF
Enter your details below to download the plan.
Want to know more?
Please get in touch.
Margriet Geluk
Supply Chain Engineer
Wilco Volker
Project Lead Modal Shift
Portal
Portal