Final Report of The Logistics Module of NETA

Introduction The NETA project (North European Trade Axis) is a practical example of transnational spatial planning, focused on a broad trade and transport corridor along the axis from Ireland, across northern England (Liverpool, Heysham, Fleetwood-Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield-Humber Ports of Hull, Immingham and Grimsby) and via the short sea crossing to the Netherlands and Germany, with potential for eastward extension to the emerging economies of eastern Europe. The continued growth of the European Union is opening up markets in Scandinavia, the Baltics and Central and Eastern Europe for which the UK Humber ports will be a natural gateway for traffic from Western Europe to North-Central Europe. The main aim of the Logistics module is to investigate the logistical status and potential of the North West Metropolitan Area (NWMA) section of the NETA Corridor by G conducting an audit of existing infrastructure and services; G identifying strengths and weaknesses, especially infrastructure deficiencies where they exist; G examining new possibilities for intermodal transport. The study had three phases: 1. Logistics chain audit of existing transport/telematics/logistical resources in the NETA Corridor. 2. Review of published research, to identify the various technical possibilities for enhancing the existing resources through enlightened planning and/or new investments. 3. Preparation of a final report, involving consultation with NETA parties and contributors and EU interests, setting out proposals for follow-up pilot projects. A context for the logistics module of the NETA project is evidenced in the following extracts from the European Parliament's Decision No. 1692/96/EC as regards seaports, inland ports and intermodal terminals: "The trans-European transport network contributes to the smooth functioning of the internal market, the strengthening of economic and social cohesion as well as to the sustainable mobility of persons and goods…..in order to achieve these objectives , the trans-European transport network is intended as a multimodal infrastructure network which shall combine and integrate the different transport modes…..interconnection points including seaports, inland ports and intermodal terminals are a precondition for the integration of the different transport modes in a multimodal network….intermodal transport is understood as combined unitised transport (e.g. containers, trailers and swap bodies)". EU investment priorities are stated to include: § access to the port from inland waterways § port infrastructure inside the port area § creation or improvement of hinterland access § land infrastructure linking the port to other elements of the trans-European transport network § inland transport infrastructure linking the port to other elements of …