MTR 297, NY/NJ Ports Look to Euro Intermodal Leader

Issue 297

December 11, 2000

NY/NJ Ports Look to Euro Intermodal Leader

The Port of Rotterdam will advise the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey in the creation of an extensive inland distribution network, the bi-state agency announced late last month. The network would consist of numerous feeder ports and inland sites within 75 to 400 miles of the Newark/Elizabeth ports that would serve as satellite distribution centers for incoming containers. Possible locations discussed in a feasibility study completed this summer include Syracuse and Rochester NY, Camden NJ, Harrisburg PA, Bridgeport and New Haven CT, and Brockton MA. The PA has already begun developing the beginnings of this network with its new barge service to Albany and the immanent launch of rail service to Buffalo (MTR #286).

The announcement cheered environmentalists and transportation reformers as a sign that the agency may be serious about shifting cargo transport from trucks to barge and rail. The Port of Rotterdam moves roughly 22% of its 3 million containers via its inland distribution network, dominated by barge and short-distance rail connections. Overall, Rotterdam's modal split is also enviable, with only roughly 40% of its containers transported via the roadways, compared to 80% for the Port of NY/NJ.

Whether or not the region is capable of following Rotterdam's lead remains to be seen. Along with the other state and Federal agencies involved in the long-term port development planning process, the Port Authority continues to refuse to commit to including specific goals for reducing truck trips and increasing the share of cargo that arrives and leaves by barge and rail in the Comprehensive Port Improvement Plan, its blueprint for future growth (MTR #291).