Higher carbon dioxide emissions – a sure sign of more rail freight
After decreasing for years, carbon dioxide emissions from road traffic are on the rise again. Preliminary estimates show a 0.5 per cent increase in greenhouse gas emissions from road traffic in 2018, primarily as a result of increased truck traffic, according to a report written by the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) presented on 27 February. This increase in truck traffic poses a threat to climate goals. According to the report, meeting the environmental goals that have been set will require a substantial decrease in emissions from cars and trucks.
Shifting road shipments to rail is a solution that can reduce environmental impact immediately. Rail transport is the most energy-efficient mode of transport with the least environmental impact. The key to sustainable logistics lies in the interconnection between various modes of transport, and rail transport should be the first choice for high-volume freight and long routes with other modes of transport interlinked as needed.
“Other modes of transport are also gradually decreasing their environmental impact, but this transition takes time and is largely negated by volume increases. If we are to achieve our climate goals, more freight must be transported by rail,” says Ted Söderholm, CEO of Green Cargo.
SweMaint AB is Northern Europe’s leading supplier of maintenance services to wagon owners and other operators of freight transport by rail. Strategically located at the major junctions – from Malmö in the south to Kiruna in the north – they offer a complete and almost nationwide range of services, which includes, among other things, preventive locomotive and wagon maintenance, wheel maintenance, damage remedial repairs and extensive material supply. The company, based in Gothenburg, has a turnover of approximately SEK 600 million and has around 300 employees.