EU-funded consortium launches project to future-proof logistics chains

A consortium of 36 partners across the supply chain has launched a project to future-proof logistics chains, under the coordination of the Port of Antwerp. The organisations are looking to enable the seamless transport of goods, focusing especially on the technological and operational opportunities that the Physical Internet, synchro-modal operations and other disruptive technologies such as Hyperloop, Industry 4.0 and autonomous vehicles provide. The ePlcenter project, which is funded by the EU’s European Horizon 2020 programme and has a timeframe of 42 months, features partners representing leading ports, forwarders, cargo owners, logistics providers, knowledge institutes and technology firms. A number of a large scale demonstrators are on main shipping routes from Europe to Canada and the US, as well as new trade routes such as the Northern Sea Route and the new Silk Road routes, giving the project a global scope. Technology innovators and environmental experts will collaborate to develop new solutions which increase the efficiency and sustainability of global supply chains. Erwin Verstraelen, chief digital and innovation officer, Port of Antwerp, stated: “We are very enthusiastic about kicking off the ePIcenter project, which will allow us to create a transcontinental, integrated and transparant freight corridor by leveraging existing and promising technologies, frameworks and data standards.