The background
Logistics clusters create value in their regions, where a mix of good intermodal connections, logistics platforms and large freight volumes are in place – as in the case of Zaragoza (PLAZA), Duisburg (Duisport), Lille (Dourges), Bologna (Interporto) or London (Heathrow). Once the logistics cluster is well established, the scale creates a virtuous circle building increasing availability of intermodal connections and value-added services: co-packing, late product differentiation, vehicle fill optimization and last-mile connections with cities. Time to market, transportation and handling costs are cut and overall energy utilization and emissions are reduced.
Mature logistics clusters represent an asset for their specific region, as they generate growth, employment and competitiveness, thus strengthening economic and social status.
However, well-established logistics clusters still do not leverage their full potentials in terms of competitiveness and sustainability for the European industry and society, due to several reasons:
• Not enough coordination between the local actors in the cluster,
• Not enough connectivity and coordination among European logistics clusters to maximize the full network potential of the clusters and related hubs.
Moreover, logistics clusters also need to deal and minimize negative impacts such as congestion, noise, land use and local pollution.
What is Clusters 2.0?
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Clusters 2.0 is a Horizon 2020 project leveraging the potential of European Logistics Clusters for a sustainable, efficient and fully integrated transport system. It relies on an Open Network of Logistics Clusters operating in the frame of Ten-T and supporting local, regional and European development, while keeping neutral the local impacts such as congestion, noise, land use and local pollution levels. It enhances and advances the coordination among logistics stakeholders within clusters and among European logistics clusters.
During the last 3 years, the project addressed challenging activities to meet important objectives, such as:
• Increase the engagement, performance and coordination of terminals and hubs in the clusters.
• Achieve a significant step forward in the European Transport performance through a hyper connected network of logistics hubs and clusters.
• Develop low cost, low capital and investment intensive enhanced goods handling and transhipment solutions.
