Comprehensive Best Practice Analysis for Greener Intermodal Transport is Published
16/01/2026
The TRANSPONEXT project has reached another significant milestone with the publication of the "Best Practice Analysis" (D.1.1.4). This report, a cornerstone of Work Package 1, provides the strategic roadmap for modernizing the intermodal transport sector across the Italy-Croatia (IT-HR) Programme Area.
By synthesizing lessons from a wide array of previous EU-funded initiatives - most notably its predecessor, TRANSPOGOOD - this analysis identifies the most effective strategies to enhance the quality, safety, and environmental sustainability of the region's transport networks.
The report focuses on capitalization: the strategic practice of leveraging existing knowledge to avoid duplication and maximize the impact of new investments. The analysis explores innovative solutions across four critical dimensions:
- Quality Improvement: Emphasizing digitalization through Advanced Tracking and Tracing Systems, optimized Port Community Systems (PCS), and efficient e-Booking portals to make multimodal transport more reliable and accessible.
- Safety Enhancements: Highlighting the role of advanced automation and sensor-based monitoring to reduce human error, alongside specialized training for transport personnel.
- Environmental Sustainability: Providing actionable models for promoting modal shift from road to rail and sea, adopting alternative fuels, and implementing logistics optimization strategies to reduce empty runs.
- Cross-Cutting Best Practices: Identifying robust data governance and standardized data exchange as the foundational "soft infrastructure" required for seamless cross-border collaboration.
The findings of this report are specifically tailored to the unique maritime nature of the Adriatic. The analysis directly informs the other targeted pilot actions being implemented by our partners:
- The comprehensive upgrade and capitalization of the TRANSPOGOOD Platform with integration of railway lines and e-booking system
- Wagon pooling solutions in the Port of Trieste to optimize infrastructure management.
- Digitalization of railway processes in the Port of Ploče to increase transparency and efficiency.
- Cargo Port Reservation System (CPRS) in the Port of Zadar to digitalize cargo terminal management.
- Intermodal Transportation Unit (ITU) Tracking in the Abruzzo region to improve scheduling and monitoring.
While the report acknowledges the persistent "implementation gap" in transport digitalization, it concludes that a collaborative approach, leveraging shared ICT platforms and common data standards, is the key to overcoming technical and organizational hurdles.
This Best Practice Analysis provides the final piece of the analytical groundwork needed to develop our upcoming Cross-Border Strategy and Action Plan.
We invite policymakers, terminal operators, and logistics service providers to explore this report and join us in building a more resilient and future-ready transport ecosystem for the Adriatic region.
The full report is now available in our Library.