The need for sustainable transport
An efficient functioning transport system and effective logistic coordination are of crucial value for sustainable economic development. Drivers for increased efficiency in multimodal transport systems are amongst others the increasing congestion on roads and the expectations of increasing oil prices. Companies active in this competitive environment aim to achieve high transport efficiency while also reliability and agility are more and more important elements in supply chains. At the same time there is a growing pressure by the society on sustainable transport and the application of clean alternative fuels in transport systems. Noise and air pollutant emissions are less accepted and the Carbon Footprint of transport is increasingly important for consumers. There is an increasing awareness among stakeholders in transport and logistics that coordination and cooperation between public and private organisations and between countries is essential in order to be ready for the challenges of the near future. NESTA also applies this philosophy in the internal mobility policy, aiming for 20% CO2 reduction and received the Lean & Green Personal Mobility Award.
Coordination, collaboration, multimodality, innovation and economies of scale
By means of cooperation and coordination, synergies and economies of scale can be reached and innovation is stimulated. In many countries there is a growing attention for development of ports and inland navigation as a way to develop sustainable transport. In addition attention is paid to the effectiveness and efficiency of logistic chains as a whole, taking into account the behavior and interests of various stakeholders in the transport chain. This development results in a growing need across the world for more guidance, tools and information about addressing bottlenecks, opportunities, best practices in order to feed the development of action plans to use the full potential of transport systems. More and more the multimodal network view is applied were actions are implemented on important corridors in the transport network with involvement of various stakeholders. Modalities such as short sea shipping, inland navigation and rail freight transport are combined in such transport corridor concepts.
Added value provided by NESTRA
NESTRA provides guidance and brings comfort to deal with such challenges on national and international level by means of research based consultancy taking into account most recent developments. As regards transport and logistics NESTRA aims to improve infrastructure, guides the implementation of multimodal transport, greening of transport, cooperation in logistics and improved usage of ICT. NESTRA provides strategic recommendations. Insights and recommendations by NESTRA are inspired by facts, experiences and best practices seen in various parts of the world. NESTRA has a very extensive network in the transport sector, in particular in the field of multimodal transport, inland navigation and trade facilitation programmes. In addition, NESTRA creates synergies by involving the expertise that is available within the STC-Group in the areas of training and education (including state-of-the art simulators), which strengthens the implementation of recommendations in practice.
NESTRAs approach answers to the trend of growing requirements with respect to policy strategy and policy making since there is a growing attention to create support for policies and implementation among stakeholders and extensive impact assessments. NESTRA brings support by offering such assessments and research work from a neutral and independent perspective while bringing together the viewpoints of the involved public and private stakeholders. NESTRA prepares feasibility studies, Master Plans, Impact Assessments and is active in dissemination and training. Often NESTRA operates within international working consortia involving the expertise brought by engineering firms, lawyers and financial specialists. NESTRA is qualified to act as project manager of such consortia and through the vast network, NESTRA can develop a tailored mix of expertise to provide one-stop-shop solutions for the clients. NESTRA brings worldwide experience and expertise which allows policy makers and decision makers to build upon. National and international clients are contracting NESTRA to do research, give advice on infrastructure development, management and operations, laws and regulations for transport, subsidy programmes, institutional development, technical and organisational improvements in logistics and transport systems and usage of sustainable techniques.