Keynote Session: "Tsunami of New Cars" with Mike Sturgeon
The keynote, delivered by Mike Sturgeon, Executive Director of ECG (Association of European Vehicle Logistics), offered an overview of market trends and emerging challenges:
- Market Stability: The RoRo market is projected to see modest growth over the next five years, especially in Central and Western Europe, barring unforeseen disruptions like another global pandemic.
- Chinese Vehicle Imports: A record-breaking 500,000 vehicles were exported from China in March 2024 alone, highlighting the increasing role of Chinese OEMs in the European market.
- Electric Vehicles (EVs): While EVs remain central to logistics discussions, there is a noticeable shift toward hybrid electric vehicles, with the market share for hybrids increasing over the past year.
- Tariffs and Trade: The European Commission is reviewing potential tariff increases on Chinese vehicles. Current disparities (30% EU-to-China vs. 10% China-to-EU) could reshape global vehicle logistics.
- Maritime Capacity and Fire Risks: Rerouting ships around the Cape of Good Hope due to Red Sea issues has reduced Asia-Europe capacity by 25-30%, while findings from the Lash Fire project indicate traditional firefighting methods are effective for EV-related thermal runaway fires.
Panel: "Cars in Traffic Jam During Transport Already?"
This panel explored the complexities of vehicle transportation, focusing on multimodal solutions and capacity optimization:
- Vehicle Transportation Capacity:
- Trains can carry 20-50 vehicles, depending on size and type, but infrastructure constraints, particularly in Germany, hinder efficiency.
- Port congestion is exacerbated by high volumes, with some terminals requiring cars to be removed immediately after new arrivals.
- Port and Terminal Congestion:
- European terminals are packed, leading to temporary closures. For example, Zeebrugge has 10,000 car equivalent units of storage capacity, with plans to double capacity.
- Changing Dynamics:
- Ports are transitioning from transit points to storage hubs due to direct-to-consumer sales models. Inland terminals and accurate forecasting can help alleviate this shift.
- Multimodality and Hinterland Movements:
- Trucks remain the most flexible mode, but rail and waterways offer cost efficiency. Effective integration across these modes is essential to handle growing volumes.
Panel: "Ecological Logistics" with Mary Carmen Barrios
Mary Carmen Barrios, Regional Leader at Wallenius Wilhelmsen, shared her perspective on sustainability and innovation in logistics:
- Green Innovations:
- The Orcelle Wind, a wind-powered vessel, reduces emissions by 90% and is currently in the prototype testing phase.
- Shaper class vessels, designed for methanol and ammonia fuels, are setting a new standard in green shipping.
- Impact of Brexit:
- The North Sea Port data platform, created in response to Brexit, has streamlined compliance with new regulations, turning challenges into opportunities.
- Zeebrugge’s Growth:
- Zeebrugge’s strategic location and connectivity to 92 ports worldwide, including 50 in Europe, solidify its role as a major RoRo hub.
- European Emissions Trading System (ETS):
- The upcoming ETS will impact shipping costs, particularly for northern ports. Collaboration with port authorities on green corridor initiatives is critical for long-term sustainability.
Panel: "Challenges for Zeebrugge" with Marc Adriansens
Marc Adriansens, Managing Director of ICO Zeebrugge, highlighted the region’s strengths and hurdles:
- ETS Challenges:
Northern ports like Zeebrugge face longer routes and higher ETS-related costs compared to southern ports like Barcelona, emphasizing the need for a level playing field. - Chinese OEMs:
Chinese manufacturers are entering Europe at an unprecedented scale, reshaping the competitive landscape with strategic acquisitions like the Nissan plant in Barcelona. - Terminal Expansion:
Zeebrugge is set to double its storage capacity to meet rising demand, making it a key gateway for global RoRo trade.
Panel: "How Can We Use Space Optimally Despite Permits Policy?"
This panel addressed the operational and regulatory challenges of terminal space optimization:
- Regulatory Bottlenecks:
Permitting delays hinder timely infrastructure development. Streamlined processes are essential to address acute space shortages. - Vertical Expansion:
While multi-level storage is a viable solution, it is costly and less efficient than optimizing throughput and rotation at existing terminals. - Green Initiatives:
Shore power installations and other sustainable projects are being prioritized, with solutions expected to be announced later this year. - Collaboration:
Partnerships between ports like Zeebrugge and Ostend showcase the potential for regional cooperation to alleviate capacity issues.
Key Takeaways for Logisoft
As a technology-driven logistics company, Logisoft is committed to leveraging these insights to enhance our offerings:
- Optimizing Storage with AI:
Implementing AI-driven systems to maximize storage efficiency, improve rotation, and predict congestion patterns. - Enhancing Visibility:
Delivering real-time tracking and data-sharing solutions to improve transparency and decision-making across multimodal transport. - Automation:
Leveraging automation to streamline operations and reduce manual inefficiencies in vehicle handling and logistics. - System Integration for Multimodal Transport:
Developing integrated platforms to seamlessly connect road, rail, and maritime transport for optimized vehicle flows.
Link to the RoRo Congress 2024 Aftermovie
For a visual recap of this transformative event, watch the official aftermovie here:
RoRo Congress 2024 - Zeebrugge Aftermovie.
Looking Ahead
The RoRo Congress 2024 highlighted the importance of collaboration, sustainability, and innovation in overcoming industry challenges. At Logisoft, we’re dedicated to driving these advancements through technology, partnerships, and a forward-thinking approach to logistics.
