By means of a case study for maritime container transport on distances betweeen 100 and 1000 km, this paper shows that intermodal rail transport is not a cost effective environmental measure, contrary to intermodal transport by inland vessel. This is caused by the high price of railroad infrastructure that can not be calculated in transport prices, as the intermodal product quality is too low. The society pays the deficit; the costs are high compared to the environmental benefits of intermodal transport. In order to change this situation, intermodal rail transport speed should be kept at 80 kmh, its product quality should increase, and the existing rail infrastructure should be better utilized. Furthermore, nitrous oxides better utilized. Furthermore, nitrous oxides (NOx) emissions from marine diesel engines should decrease, otherwise intermodal transport by inland vessel will be not cleaner in 2010, compared to the competing road trucks. (A)
Abstract