Invitation to tender: Comparative study for surface transport routes between Europe and Asia
The European Commission, DG VII, has published an invitation to tender for the completion of a comparative study for surface transport routes between Europe and Asia. In order to compare and to assess the potential of alternative routes between Europe and Asia, a comparative study of surface transport routes between Europe and Asia is required. The major objectives are: - To identify existing and possible major surface transport routes between Europe and the Far East in order to evaluate their relative importance and their roles in the context of exchanges between the European Union and Far Eastern countries; - To compare the advantages and disadvantages of each route regarding, interalia, economic viability and competitiveness, quality of service, constraints (including natural constraints such as environmental/seasonal or human constraints), transport capacity and future development potential; - To ensure that the development of trans-European transport networks is harmonized with and is efficiently connected to routes (both current and future) which will be developed on the Asian continent; - To provide the Community with the information necessary to shape future Community policy and subsequent actions as regards these links, taking into account work already undertaken in international bodies such as UN-ESCAP. The following criteria shall be taken into consideration when selecting consultants: - Depth and quality of previous experience in the required geographical area (countries of the former Soviet Union, particularly Russia, Asia and European countries both in and outside the Union); - Depth and quality of previous experience in the required modes of transport: road, rail, maritime and combined transport; - Depth and quality of previous experience in the required transport domains: transport infrastructure; transport operations; economics and statistics; and mapping; - Depth and quality of previous experience with the required transport actors: public and private sector; operators; forwarders; supply and demand; institutional sector. It is envisaged that between 10 and 15 candidates will be invited to submit a full tender. Requests to participate in this invitation to tender should be sent to: European Commission DG VII - Transport Mr Nicholas Cendrowicz DGVII/A-1 200 rue de la Loi (BU33 4/25) B-1049 Brussels Tel. +32-2-2963687; Fax +32-2-2969632 Telex: COMEU B 21877