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A Review of Port Initiatives to Promote Freight Modal Shifts in Europe: Evidence from Port Governance Systems

Author

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  • Marta Gonzalez-Aregall

    (Department of Business Administration, School of Business, Economics and Law, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden)

  • Kevin Cullinane

    (Department of Business Administration, School of Business, Economics and Law, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden)

  • Inge Vierth

    (The Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI), SE-102 15 Stockholm, Sweden)

Abstract

This study analyses how port governance systems in Europe have influenced the implementation of port initiatives focused on promoting modal shifts in freight transportation. Through a comprehensive review of port strategies, this research identified 49 individual modal shift initiatives among 21 port authorities in Europe. The results show that ports located in the Northern regions and managed by local governments, particularly in Belgium and the Netherlands, are leaders in executing strategies for modal shifts in freight transportation. Technological solutions and promoting intermodal transportation were found to be the most popular initiatives used to promote hinterland movements of freight by rail and waterborne transportation.

Suggested Citation

  • Marta Gonzalez-Aregall & Kevin Cullinane & Inge Vierth, 2021. "A Review of Port Initiatives to Promote Freight Modal Shifts in Europe: Evidence from Port Governance Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-19, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:11:p:5907-:d:561174
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