EIRAC created to address intermodal issues

June 1, 2005
The European Intermodal Research Advisory Council (EIRAC), composed of more than 50 key players from intermodal businesses, was launched May 3, 2005,

The European Intermodal Research Advisory Council (EIRAC), composed of more than 50 key players from intermodal businesses, was launched May 3, 2005, at a roundtable meeting in the Brussels (Belgium) Hotel Metropole.

An advisory body to the European Commission, EIRAC reflects all sectors of the intermodal industry: intermodal rail and road operators, terminal operators, logistic freight integrators, short sea shipping operators, ports, terminal handling, freight villages, and ICT equipment suppliers. A few selected academics have also been invited.

EIRAC's mission is to determine the vision, scope, and content of the Strategic Intermodal Research Agenda 2020 for Intermodal Transport as a step toward creation of a coordinated intermodal research strategy for Europe. EIRAC will focus on achieving interoperability between modes with a view to the creation of a single European logistic system in line with the objectives set out in the White Paper on Common Transport Policy. EIRAC will also establish a business scenario for implementation.

Wando Boeve, member of the board of directors of ECT (Europe Container Terminals), was appointed chairman of the EIRAC plenary; Benoit Passard, vice-president-marketing and communication of KALMAR Industries, was appointed vice-chairman.

For further information, phone +39 010 3628148, fax +39 010 3621078, or e-mail [email protected].