A better use of all available transport infrastructure (road, rail, inland waterways and the sea) is needed in order to reduce the negative external impacts of transport. Intermodal transport is seen as an effective way to contribute to a more sustainable transport system. The European Commission therefore supports the organisation of intermodal freight transport and has defined a number of actions to:

• Foster the development of integrated intermodal transport services;
• Improve the interoperability of equipment and intermodal transport infrastructures;
• Improve the knowledge and experience in the management of intermodal transport chains;

The objective of the project ISIC (Integrated Services in the Intermodal Chain) is to prepare a roadmap for the implementation of concrete actions that focus on the improvement of freight mobility in Europe:

• Improvement of intermodal liability and documentation;
• Harmonisation of technical requirements for intermodal transport equipment;
• Improvement of the quality of intermodal terminals;
• Certification and training for intermodal transport;
• Promotion of intermodal transport.
  

A socio-economic cost-benefit analysis has been carried out in order to enable a prioritisation of the actions. Insight is provided in the support from relevant stakeholders, policy recommendations for the Commission have been drafted. Based on the results of ISIC the Commission intends to issue a Communication on intermodal transport and logistics.

Client: European Commission – Directorate General for Energy and Transport