Sutranet aims to improve the knowledge base for decision-making regarding transport networks and intermodal transport around the North Sea. The partnership mainly consists of universities and research institutions and target groups are ports and other infrastructure providers, transport operators and public authorities. The project will try to put research into practice by developing innovative solutions, an environmental impact model and a curriculum for training modules relating to intermodal transport. Policy-makers and practical implementers will follow project activities through a User Group.

The aim of the project is to improve the knowledge basis for decision-making, both at policy level and at operational level, as regards efficient and sustainable development of international transport networks and intermodal transport. Knowledge will be linked to practical applications and policy decisions.

Expected Outcomes

The project is divided into four Work Packages. The first of these will establish an R&D network and improve the decision-making basis by elaborating the first step of a transport information system. In the second Work Package, which focuses on shipping routes across the North Sea, both a proposal for optimal and alternative route structures and an overview of new ferry and short-sea shipping concepts will be produced. Thirdly, the project will make recommendations and advise measures for increased use of sustainable and effective intermodal transport. Finally, the development of training modules can help in improving the qualifications and skills of SMEs and operational staff in intermodal transport.

Activities

The four Work Packages of the Sutranet project involve different kinds of research. In each Work Package attention is paid to different aspects. Case studies, analyses or best practices are produced, and workshops are held. They include: - an overview of trade flows through maritime ports - an environmental impact model - a report on major hinterland connections - a proposal for optimal and alternative route structures - a case study of intermodal network components, port terminals and logistics centres - an analysis of institutional and organisational solutions in the development of logistics centres

Reported Outcomes

Project activity is now well underway and activities under each of the projects four work packages are making good progress. SUTRANET is founded on the co-operation and expertise of specialists and researchers selected from six countries. Working together, they have gathered information in four key areas overall framework conditions and strategies; the motorways of the North Sea; transport and logistics centres; and finally, training programme development. The aim was to create dynamic linkages between organisations so that a range of experiences and skills could be exploited. The initiative?s objectives included: initiating a region-wide trade and transport information system; improving ferry services and short-sea shipping; developing the North Sea Motorway concept; designing more efficient and sustainable transport infrastructure; encouraging the development of methods for assessing the environmental impact of vessel traffic; and finally defining a training approach to improve the skills and qualifications of staff directing inter-modal transport. Several reports and research papers have been presented during 2006. For instance, a SUTRANET project related journal article was prepared for submission to the academic journal Maritime Policy & Management, given the title 'The Economics of Motorways of the Sea'. Collaboration and networking has taken place between Sutranet and other Interreg projects. The lead partner of Sutranet attended the NTN conference in Stavanger, Norway to establish contacts with other research organisations and potential user groups. In WP 4 e-learning, considered in the project as part of life long learning, was was continued in co-operation with the REMARCC project where students were recruited to test e-learning platforms.