Coalition for Reimagined Mobility report details environmental impact of freight sector data sharing

The report includes new modelling from the International Transport Forum (ITF), which found that the adoption of an open freight data exchange standard would not only improve operational efficiencies across the supply chain, reducing the unprecedented level of goods stuck at global ports, but will also result in an estimated 22% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 and eliminate 2.5 billion bbl/y of oil.

Freight data exchange standards are open or freely available technical specifications that define how to share critical information to seamlessly facilitate global freight logistics. Standardising the exchange of freight data will support a transition to widespread software-enabled communication forming the backbone of better stakeholder coordination across the global supply chain.

Clean fuel and electrification are not enough to decarbonise the freight sector

“We need a comprehensive plan of action to decarbonise our global freight sector,” said Mary Nichols, Co-Chair of ReMo. “Business as usual is not an option. As we transition to increasingly lower carbon fuels, vessels and vehicles, we must also rapidly deploy technology solutions that will drive operational efficiencies – and critically needed climate benefits – across the global supply chain.”

ReMo partnered with the ITF to use its globally renowned freight emissions model to quantify emissions reductions that could be generated by data exchange to share logistical data in near real-time and streamline the supply chain. The impact is significant, including:

• A reduction of sea freight emissions by 280 million tpy of carbon and road freight emissions by 360 million tpy of carbon.
• Elimination of 2.5 billion bbl/y of oil.
• A 6% cost savings per tonne-kilometre.

A freight data exchange standard will increase freight system resilience and sustainability while reducing oil dependence

Digitalisation of the freight sector has lagged as market and regulatory failures have created barriers to change. The time for action is now. ReMo calls on policymakers to take the following steps immediately:

• Require the use of freight data exchange standards as a condition for accessing ports.
• Deploy freight data exchange standards that communicates near real-time operational data.
• Allocate authority to national governments and ports to require the use of freight data exchange standards.
• Allocate seed funding to ports and industry stakeholders to deploy data exchange standard pilots and projects.
• Initiate and fund targeted intermodal exchange and smart steaming programs to realise near-term emissions reduction benefits.

“The world’s largest shippers and major supply chain players must work together to forge a new path to decarbonisation and resilience by embracing digitalisation and a globally accepted freight data exchange standard,” added Michael Hynekamp, COO, Wallenius Wilhelmsen ASA. “We, alongside members of the Coalition, are committed to reimagining the freight system in collaboration with private and public organisations around the world. Digital transformation is the way towards our sustainable future.”

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/shipping/29062022/coalition-for-reimagined-mobility-report-details-environmental-impact-of-freight-sector-data-sharing/