The landscape of intermodal transport in Europe can be effectively illustrated through a map using two distinct colours: one to indicate countries where intermodal transport dominates rail freight, and another to show where traditional cargo transport prevails. Interestingly, such a map would not draw a clear north-south or east-west divide but would instead reveal a patchwork pattern. Intermodal transport, both domestic and international, accounts for the majority of rail freight in countries such as Spain, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, Norway, and Turkey. In contrast, traditional cargo dominates in Finland, the Baltic States, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania. Notably, in these five countries, intermodal transport accounts for less than 15% of rail freight, as bulk goods still dominate the market.
This schematic representation is part of the 2024 report by UIC and UIRR. Between 2018 and 2023, rail intermodal transport grew by 8.7% in terms of tonne-kilometres, albeit with fluctuations along the way. Nevertheless, UIC and UIRR remain optimistic about the long-term outlook, forecasting annual growth of 3% until 2040, by which time the market is expected to expand by approximately two-thirds compared to 2023 levels.
The 2024 report also highlights strengths and challenges. A robust share of intermodal transport is concentrated along the north-south corridor between northern Italy and central Germany. This axis remains the backbone of European rail freight, with significant volumes also flowing eastwards through the Czech Republic toward Poland and Hungary. Other key transnational corridors include routes towards Austria, as well as Belgium and the Netherlands.
However, the closure of the Fréjus railway has negatively impacted freight links with France. Meanwhile, Spain continues to face limitations due to its different track gauge, which hampers international freight connections. According to the UIC-UIRR report, the north-south corridor is also the most efficient, boasting reasonably acceptable transit times and higher average speeds.
Regarding the classic division between unaccompanied and accompanied intermodal transport, the report confirms a long-standing trend: the steady decline of accompanied combined transport services, commonly referred to as "RoLa." This mode of transport has been in retreat since 2010, with many routes discontinued. It now remains largely confined to specific railway lines in Austria and Switzerland, where it is still subsidised.
The statistics are stark: cross-border accompanied transport volumes fell from just over seven million tonnes in 2010 to four million tonnes in 2022. On domestic routes, RoLa dropped from 7.6 million to 3.5 million tonnes during the same period. The outlook remains bleak. For instance, Switzerland is expected to subsidise the Novara-Freiburg im Breisgau rail motorway only until 2028. Meanwhile, the Brenner Base Tunnel is likely to significantly alter the dynamics of rail freight along this axis.
Piermario Curti Sacchi
