Setting the scene

Antonios Tsiligiannis (POLIS), co-lead of the Regions Working Group, kicked off the meeting, setting the stage for discussions about the increasing significance of logistics and the new challenges it brings for regions. These challenges encompass strategic business location, freight management, optimising last-mile delivery, reducing energy consumption, and urban development.

Lola Ortiz Sanchez (Madrid - Chair of the POLIS Urban Freight WG) emphasised the importance of logistics for the EU and Madrid in easing congestion and enhancing air quality. She cited Madrid's successful measures, including urban logistics regulations, digital booking systems, and mobility and logistics hubs. 

Wolf Engelbach (Baden-Württemberg - Chair of the POLIS Regions WG) also discussed challenges with large-scale logistic projects, like space constraints and traffic, advocating for decentralised approaches. 

Flemish Green Deal: a crucial shift

Bart Dumoulin (Bond Beter Leefmilieu) discussed sustainable city logistics initiatives in Flanders, stressing the shift towards sustainable mobility practices. He described collaborative efforts among companies and cities within the Flemish Green Deal, which encourages peer-to-peer learning and knowledge sharing.

The initiative, involving 50 participants from various sectors, aims to reduce the logistics sector's impact on liveability through specific actions, stakeholder dialogue, and policy recommendations. Bart outlined the challenges faced, including the need for a uniform legal framework, efficient charging infrastructure, and financial support for purchases.

Looking ahead, continuing the Green Deal beyond 2023 is deemed necessary to achieve its main goals. Collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and concrete measures at the local government level are emphasised to drive progress and foster sustainable urban logistics in Flanders.

Baden-Wurttemberg: An electrifying take

Marcus Krenz (Baden-Württemberg) addressed the electrification of logistics, emphasising the region's ambitious emissions reduction goals and the necessity for sustainable mobility. With significant transit traffic, the region faces the dual challenge of meeting climate protection targets while reforming the automotive industry.

The goals set for 2030 include a 65% reduction in emissions and a significant increase in renewable energy use across various mobility modes. However, demand for electric vehicles remains low. Challenges abound in infrastructure development, particularly in meeting the demand for charging points for heavy vehicles. While the federal government plans to establish charging locations, the gap between current and needed infrastructure remains substantial. Expansion efforts face hurdles in securing suitable locations and navigating the complexities of power grid expansion.

In conclusion, meeting the demands of electrifying logistic transport requires collaborative efforts between government, and private sector stakeholders, and financial support for infrastructure development. The challenge lies in addressing the space constraints and power grid expansion needed to facilitate the transition to sustainable logistics.

North Holland looks ahead!

Chris de Veer (Noord-Holland Province) delved into logistics in North Holland, underscoring its strategic importance as a logistic corridor in Western Europe. He highlighted the challenges posed by CO2 emissions and detailed initiatives promoting sustainable transport, such as hydrogen fuel development and inland shipping expansion. Shedding light on the necessity for regional cooperation, de Veer stressed the need for holistic approaches to effectively tackle logistical challenges. He also emphasised the pivotal role of data exchange, energy transition, and innovative logistics solutions in shaping the future of urban freight.

Looking ahead, the province aims to prioritise sustainability, exploring options like electrification for smaller trucks and hydrogen for larger ones, positioning itself as a hydrogen valley in Europe. Governance involves collaboration across sectors to minimise transport-related pollution, with initiatives like green deals and regional structures being developed.

Smart logistics initiatives, particularly in Amsterdam, focus on efficient food distribution to reduce traffic and pollution. National policies emphasise coordinating zero-emission zones, expanding charging infrastructure, and optimising inland shipping routes, with digital infrastructure and data sharing playing a crucial role. However, challenges remain, including the need to develop logistic urban nodes, enhance inland waterway and rail transport facilities, and establish robust energy networks. 

Key discussion

The webinar also featured an interactive Q&A session moderated by Raffaele Vergnani (POLIS), lead of the Urban Freight WG. The discussion revolved around various aspects of sustainable logistics and the challenges associated with transitioning to environmentally friendly practices.

Highlighting the significance of effective communication and promoting electrification as a viable solution, the discussion underscored the necessity for financial backing, investment, and active engagement of stakeholders to address the substantial challenges ahead. This stressed the critical need for increasing awareness among all involved parties.

Practical hurdles were also addressed, including the reluctance of businesses. Additionally, the conversation touched upon the management of intelligent logistic centres and the support for emission-free freight transport.

The discussion wrapped up by delving into the intriguing topic of 'energy hubs', underscoring the importance of collaboration and contemplating shared schemes to mitigate the financial burden of infrastructure and vehicle costs on individual companies and organisations.

Conclusion

The webinar concluded by stressing the vital role of logistics in regional development and the need for a unified legal framework to address logistical challenges efficiently. It underscored the significance of collaboration across various levels and sectors to devise creative solutions for urban freight challenges.

For the presentations, please click here.