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Five pillars to DECARBOnize the last MILE logistics

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - DECARBOMILE (Five pillars to DECARBOnize the last MILE logistics)

Berichtszeitraum: 2022-09-01 bis 2024-02-29

Road transport constitutes the highest proportion of overall transport emissions - emitting 76% of all EU’s transport GHG emissions in 2021, according to the European Environment Agency. While current literature indicates that urban logistics and freight transport is not a topic which sparks strong interest from local authorities in their planning strategies, the understanding of the (environmental, economic, societal) impact of how we transport goods is of key importance to achieve climate-neutral and smart cities. Based on the current demand pathway, global freight is foreseen to triple between 2015 and 2050, with a major impact on cities. For these reasons, it is crucial that local stakeholders, including municipalities and logistics players, get to grips with the subject of urban logistics and the challenge of reducing its environnemental impact.
DECARBOMILE aims to trigger an unprecedented improvement of the green last mile logistics based on 5 pillars: (1) collaboration, (2) sustainable business models, (3) urban integration and space management optimisation, (4) regulation, and (5) digitalisation. The project global objective is to demonstrate the full potential of decarbonised last mile logistics in four living labs (in Logrono - Spain, Nantes -France, Hamburg - Germany and Istanbul - Turkey). Four satellites cities (Tallinn - Estonia, Getafe - Spain, Ghent - Belgium and Sarajevo - Bosnia and Herzegovina) will be involved at a smaller scale to either pre-test or study the replicability potential of the solutions in their local contexts.
The solutions developed include an innovative framework for collaboration through co-creation methodologies, a digital platform and tools, and improved delivery methods such as (micro) urban consolidation centres, smart lockers, innovative cargo bikes, and an electric barge for urban freight in inland waterways.
In WP1, experiences, good practices and lessons learnt from similar initiatives were identified. In parallel, the 4LLs and 4SCs provided detailed information on their local situation: economic activities and freight movements, existing infrastructure and main equipment/assets, public policies and regulations, relevant local stakeholders, and ICT tools in use. Based on this, WP2 provided a stakeholders' mapping, and for each stakeholder identified, a qualitative appreciation was performed. Several workshops with local stakeholders were organized to (i) identify local needs and challenges, (ii) co-define the uses cases, the stakeholders' engagement plan, and the action roadmap, (iii) embed the implementation strategies in local frameworks. While further details and key specificities for implementation still need to be agreed on, the use cases are well shaped in Istanbul and Hamburg. Nantes and Logroño have experienced more difficulties in identifying the stakeholders to involve and secure interest from them, due to internal political changes and developments. At the time of writing the first periodic reporting (04/2024), the situation is unblocking in both cities and developments are expected in the coming month. A PEST analysis of the situation in each of the LL shed light on hindering factors for the use cases, and a document highlighted the key regulatory success factors for a proper implementation. A feasibility study on the architectural and technical requirements for consolidation centres was carried out. As part of WP5, added-value services for each of the use cases were identified through surveys and a first version of the business models tailored to the local contexts was developed.
Within WP3, a clear understanding of the technical capabilities of the consortium partners in terms of digital tools development was provided. A responsibility matrix to match LLs’ needs, tools developed and partners responsible was created. Data transfer methods were set up and test sensors for real-time T&T&M supplied, generating first data samples. In Logrono, sensors data were used as a basis of a dynamic routing analysis to enable scenarios evaluation for DHL (an external local stakeholder). In Istanbul, MIGROS provided historical data, on which a demand forecasting tool was developed. Conceptualisation and initial versions of different routing algorithms, load optimization, network design, and load pooling tools were developed, until further details on the use cases can be provided to tailor the tools and prepare their real-life testing.
As part of WP4 - OHB worked on developing a new electric barge fit for the HAM environment. FLEX developed a cargo bike with a lifting mechanism to optimize transloading and worked on micro-containers to protect goods and an aggregation system. INT prepared the micro hub and smart lockers to be installed in Getafe.
D1.1 D1.2 and D1.3 were submitted. Based on the engagement plan on the needs & challenges from stakeholders, an implementation strategy was drafted, with key factors, ICT tools and an IoT integration plan. The use case definition is progressing with the respective stakeholders, their needs and interest, and the capacities the municipalities are able to offer. A cost-benefit analysis sheet has been drafted, and the results of the added value services survey were analysed. Value definitions and draft business models for each LL are being drafted, based on a state of the art on Business model in the decarbonized logistic sector. In preparation of WP8, a first version of the evaluation plan and timeline was drafted.
Data was collected, analysed and utilized to develop T&T&M tools and other IoT devices before deployment in all LLs. A demand forecasting tool is ready (error < 10%) and digital city models are ready to be launched. The network design and load optimization tool is in progress and pending further development of the use case for full scale implementation. D4.1 was submitted on the logistics equipment development: a new barge under construction, micro containers and aggregators conception needs further research on the application, micro hubs and smart lockers ready for deployment. Existing charging networks were identified and mapped.
D9.1 was submitted at M6. LinkedIn account reached 744 followers, and 85 on Twitter/X. Several events were attended by consortium partners to disseminate the work and research done as part of the project.
To reach further impact and project success, the use cases definition needs to be finalised, with key stakeholders' engagement secured, and facilities installed. A standardisation framework (WP6) will help partners collaborate on digital services and share data, to increase the efficiency of the tools on the market.
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