Implementing New IWT Logistic Concept on Lake Mälaren

Inland barges are still treated regulatorywise as IMO vessels in Sweden, which hinders the competitiveness of inland waterway transport. The Swedish project partner Avatar Logistics will demonstrate a first commercial service to elaborate on negative effects the existing regulations have and to discuss improvements of regulations with legislative bodies to support the implementation of better regulations. A test shipment of excavated materials from tunnel projects in the city of Stockholm to an inland port in Lake Mälaren will act as testbed.

In addition, a technical barge drawing will be developed and made public towards shipyards, based on EMMA analyses of navigation in winter conditions and sustainable propulsion. This drawing can be used to modify existing EU barges or construct new buildings that meet the Swedish IWT regulation. It is the next logical step towards an introduction of ship tonnage.

THE SWEDISH EMMA EXTENSION PILOT

We interviewed Johan Lantz regarding the Swedish EMMA Extension pilot. Johan is CEO at Avatar Logistics, which is the Swedish project partner in EMMA Extension.

What do you consider the biggest achievement of the already ended project EMMA?

In my opinion, the biggest achievement of the EMMA project was the cross-border discussion and exchange of ideas between the project partners.

What kind of expectations do you have for its extension, the EMMA Extension project?

I expect that in the EMMA Extension we can continue the good work and look deeper into the main activities of the EMMA project.

How would you describe your national EMMA Extension pilot?

There will be many tunnel and building projects in the Stockholm area. Therefore, there will also be a need for increased transportation of crushed stone and excavated materials. A test shipment of excavated materials from tunnel projects in the city of Stockholm to an inland port in Lake Mälaren will test the use of inland waterway transport for this purpose. 

What are the expected results of the pilot?

Our expectation is to demonstrate an integrated logistics chain based on inland navigation.

How will the pilot proceed during the EMMA Extension project (2019-2021)?

The pilot is divided into three different phases: a planning phase, a demo phase and a final evaluation/outcome phase.

What kind of value do the EMMA Extension project and the pilot bring to your region?

The pilot’s main focus is to show how a modal shift from road to inland waterway transport is possible in congested urban areas.

In questions regarding the Swedish EMMA Extension pilot, please contact:

Mr. Johan Lantz
CEO at Avatar Logistics
johan.lantz@avatarlogistics.se  
Tel: +46 738 664645

Please read here the article “Sweden stands on the threshold of implementing inland waterway transport – many interesting possibilities, but obstacles still exist” (ERSTU Navigator 2019).

Please read here the article from Dagens Nyheter 24.10.2019 “Pråmfartyg som i EU oprövat alternativ till vägtransporter” (PDF in Swedish)

Please read here the article from Dagens Nyheter 24.10.2019 “Pråmfartyg som i EU oprövat alternativ till vägtransporter” (in Swedish).