LOG904-175 The Role of Logistics in the European Ambition of Zero Emission by 2050: Physical Internet (Autumn 2021)

In response to the Paris Agreement, we are now setting bold climate targets. The European Commission presented the European Green Deal with the ambition for Europe to be the first climate-neutral continent in the world by 2050. However, the freight transport emissions are still increasing, and still, the global transport demand is estimated to triple by 2050.

In parallel to the development of lower and zero-emission vehicles, it is fundamental to leverage opportunities in the logistic efficiency through scientific approaches.

The existing capacities of assets and infrastructures in all transport modes can be better utilized, and flows can be managed in a more consolidated way using and combining logistics assets smartly by introducing open and interconnected logistics services and networks (Physical Internet).

The Physical Internet proposes a full consolidation of logistics flows from independent shippers, i.e., to pool resources and assets in open and shared networks so they can be used seamlessly by network users and partners. By pooling demand and resources to answer that demand, the resource usage becomes more efficient. The Physical Internet includes transport, storage and physical handling operations of units such as containers, swap-bodies, pallets, etc.

Topics covered:

The course will go into details on the key aspects of decarbonization in the transport sector:

1. managing the freight demand growth
2. smartly use of transport modes
3. fleets and assets are shared and used to the max
4. energy efficiency
5. low-emissions energy sources.

The perspectives of the main stakeholders (businesses, governments, R&D, and civil society) will be taken into account. Ultimately, the state-of-the-art solutions and approaches that will eventually lead to the Physical Internet implementation will be presented to the students.

• Proportion: 100
• Grouping: Individual/Group
• Grading scale: Letter (A - F)
• Deadline: Saturday at 23:59 in the seminar week