Imagine you're shipping goods across Europe and you have a choice: fast but expensive and dirty, or slow but cheap and clean. This project figured out how to make "slow" work reliably by coordinating ships, trains, trucks, and barges like a single orchestra — so slowing down the ship doesn't mean your delivery is late. They built software that re-routes cargo in real time across different transport modes, picks the greenest and cheapest combination, and keeps everyone informed. DHL led the project and tested it on real shipping routes from Spain to Ireland to pan-European corridors.
By the numbers
22
consortium partners across the project
9
countries represented in the consortium
16
industry partners in the consortium
73%
industry participation ratio
3
live demonstrators validated with end-users
6
SMEs in the consortium
The business problem
What needed solving
European shippers and logistics operators face a painful trade-off: fast delivery means expensive, high-emission road transport, while cheaper sea and rail options seem too slow and unpredictable. Supply chains are stressed by rigid single-mode planning, leading to empty truck runs, port congestion, excessive safety stock, and rising fuel costs. There's no easy way to dynamically combine ships, trains, barges, and trucks into one optimized, reliable delivery plan.
The solution
What was built
The project built an integrated optimization and simulation platform that combines real-time synchro-modal logistics planning, slow steaming ship simulation and control, risk/benefit statistical modeling, and a communications architecture connecting all transport operators. This was validated through 3 live demonstrators — an East-West corridor via the Port of Valencia, a regional manufacturing operation in Ireland, and a pan-European multi-modal network using short sea, rail, and inland waterway routes.
Audience
Who needs this
Large freight forwarders and 3PL providers managing multi-modal European corridorsShipping companies looking to implement slow steaming without losing schedule reliabilityPort authorities and terminal operators fighting road congestion around their facilitiesRetailers and manufacturers with complex European replenishment supply chainsTransport technology companies building logistics optimization platforms
Business applications
Who can put this to work
Freight & Logistics
enterprise
Target: Large logistics operators and freight forwarders managing European supply chains
If you are a freight forwarder juggling trucks, ships, and rail across Europe — this project developed an integrated optimization platform that finds the cheapest, lowest-emission combination of transport modes in real time. It was tested in 3 live demonstrators including import/export through the Port of Valencia and pan-European short sea and inland waterway routes. DHL Supply Chain led the consortium of 22 partners across 9 countries.
Retail & Consumer Goods
mid-size
Target: Retailers and manufacturers with complex European distribution networks
If you are a retailer or manufacturer struggling with high warehousing costs and unpredictable replenishment — this project built tools that give you greater control over your supply chain, leading to more reliable delivery schedules. The system was validated in a regional demonstrator for a major manufacturing operation in Ireland. Reduced uncertainty means you can cut safety stock levels and expensive warehouse space.
Port & Terminal Operations
enterprise
Target: Port authorities and terminal operators facing congestion and throughput pressure
If you are a port authority dealing with road congestion and inefficient cargo flows — this project created simulation and planning tools that smooth the movement of goods through busy terminals. The East-West demonstrator validated the approach at the Port of Valencia and related inland terminals in Spain. Better flow means less congestion, faster turnaround, and more efficient use of existing infrastructure.
Frequently asked
Quick answers
What would it cost to implement this system?+
The project data does not include specific licensing or implementation costs. The platform was developed through a Research and Innovation Action with 22 partners. Interested companies should contact the consortium to discuss commercial terms and deployment options.
Can this work at the scale of a real European logistics network?+
Yes — the system was validated at industrial scale through 3 demonstrators: an East-West corridor through the Port of Valencia, a regional operation for a major manufacturer in Ireland, and a pan-European demonstrator using short sea, rail, and inland waterway routes. These covered real import/export operations with end-user testing.
Who owns the technology and can I license it?+
The consortium of 22 partners across 9 countries includes 16 industry organizations. IP ownership is governed by the consortium agreement. DHL Supply Chain Spain led the project, but licensing discussions would need to involve the relevant technology-developing partners.
Does this meet current EU emissions regulations for transport?+
The system was specifically designed to reduce emissions through modal shift to greener transport modes and optimized planning that cuts empty truck kilometers. While built before the latest EU Green Deal regulations, the approach directly supports current EU goals for decarbonizing freight transport.
How long does it take to integrate with existing logistics systems?+
The platform was designed with e-Freight compatibility and a communications and governance architecture for connecting different transport operators. Based on available project data, the 3 demonstrators required coordination across multiple real-world operators, suggesting the system can integrate with existing commercial logistics setups.
What transport modes does it actually cover?+
The system covers short sea shipping with slow steaming optimization, rail, inland waterways, and road freight. The pan-European demonstrator specifically tested combinations of short sea routes, rail, and inland waterway routes for major shippers operating across Europe.
Is this still being developed or is it finished?+
The project closed in October 2018 after 3.5 years of development and testing. The core technology was validated through 3 live demonstrators. Further commercialization status would need to be confirmed with the consortium partners directly.
Consortium
Who built it
This is a heavily industry-driven consortium — 16 out of 22 partners are industry players, giving it a 73% industry ratio that's unusually high for an EU research project. DHL Supply Chain Spain, one of the world's largest logistics companies, leads the project, which immediately signals commercial relevance. The 6 SMEs bring specialized technology, while partners span 9 countries (Spain, Germany, Greece, France, Ireland, Italy, Norway, UK, Switzerland), covering major European trade corridors. With only 2 universities and 2 research organizations, this was clearly built to solve real operational problems, not to publish academic papers.
Want to explore how synchro-modal optimization could reduce your logistics costs and emissions? SciTransfer can connect you with the right technology partners from this consortium.
