LONDON, October 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
A Knowledge Centre for the freight industry has been launched as an innovative project in support of couriers, van drivers, and freight forwarders that rely on the freight ferry market.
The Knowledge Centre consists of industry articles, case studies, country guides, info about traffic regulations and tolls, frequently asked questions about freight ferries, ferry route descriptions, and news about issues affecting the industry such as the implementation of MARPOL (Marine Pollution), and more.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141022/712557 )
Created and launched by Freightlink Solutions Ltd, the Knowledge Centre gathers information about traffic regulations, international transportation, freight ferry crossings, and operator issues. The Centre is created in three languages: English, Polish and German.
One hot topic to have a presence in the Knowledge Centre is about the implementation of the MARPOL directive - a very controversial topic for the freight industry.
What is MARPOL? It stands for Marine Pollution. It is the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. From 1st January 2015 the European Union and IMO (International Maritime Organisation) directive requires ferry companies to lower the sulphur percentage in fuel from 1%, to 0.1%.
It really means that these companies will be legally bound to decrease their carbon footprints, by improving the fuel they burn and improving the technology they use to sail. The region affected is known as the Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA) and includes most of Western and Northern Europe. There are several different options available to the ferry operators such as switching to more expensive reduced sulphur fuels or changing to a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) fuel systems. However, the logical conclusion of the EU MARPOL directive means there will be a financial impact on ferry companies - the conclusion will be a ferry price increase.
Logistics is preventing the UK economy from stagnation after several years of economic recession. The number of van licences have been increasing year on year since 2008 by almost 1% despite HGV licences decreasing.* Yet, despite slow growth and continued domestic problems, the UK economy experienced better growth in 2013. This growth has continued into 2014, especially in sectors of retail, manufacturing, and construction. The question now is what impact will MARPOL have on these van drivers and couriers? Freightlink have created an infographic which fully explains what MARPOL is about.
The creation of an interactive info platform is part of a long term strategy to support customers and enhance access to knowledge and info quickly. The strategy consists of modernisation and digitalisation of the freight ferry market. Lee Rossall, Executive Director of Freightlink explains, "Until recently the transport industry was built on a classical business model, where all things were sorted via phone. We've decided to take two steps forward: first, we allowed SMEs to independently book freight ferries online. Now we've created the Knowledge Centre, where we answer all industry related questions."
The Knowledge Centre will be updated on an-ongoing basis. The originators aim for creating the biggest info-base for the freight industry in Europe.
The Knowledge Centre can be found here: https://www.freightlink.pl/knowledge/home
More information:
Freightlink Solutions Ltd
Quarry Bank
Preston
Lancashire
PR5 4JN
Tel: 0844-847-9000
Fax: 0844-847-9001
Email: freightlinkbookings@freightlink.co.uk
*FTA - Freight Transport Association 2014
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