Latest News

>> We are seeking the help of shippers and receivers, logistics providers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, rail freight operators and road hauliers to complete a short on-line survey for the FREIGHTWISE research project, which is part-funded by the European Commission.  The FREIGHTWISE project aims to promote the modal shift of cargo flows from road to intermodal transport through improved management of intermodal transport chains, better information access and information exchange between organisations across all business sectors and transport modes.  Please click here for more information  

>> Mike Garratt of MDS Transmodal presented a paper at the Global Liner Shipping conference in London in April. His paper reviewed the international trade in goods underpinning the container trades with case studies on Australian wine and Chinese tyres amongst others. Mike also took part in the workshop examining "How is ocean carrier profitability expected to change over the next two years". Click here to access Mike Garratt's paper in the Downloads area. 

>> The European Commission published its annual call for proposals for funding applications from the Marco Polo Programme in early February 2009.  About €62 million of funding is available to fund services that lead to the shift of freight from road to rail, short sea shipping and inland waterway services.  In 2009 the Commission is hoping to fund some 35 projects presented by partnerships of commercial undertakings from throughout the European Union and beyond, but will only be able to do so if sufficient high quality projects are presented before the deadline in early May 2009.

To obtain a note providing some of the key points from the 2009 Call for Proposals and the Marco Polo Information Day in Brussels on 4 February 2009 please contact us.

To find out more about the advice that MDS Transmodal can provide on applying for Marco Polo applications download brochure here.

>> Mike Garratt of MDS Transmodal gave a detailed presentation on rail freight distribution parks at the Intermodal Conference in Hamburg in December.  His paper explored the current and planned development of rail served warehousing in the UK with observations on the opportunities to raise rail's share of freight on the continental mainland of Europe provided that the policy makers deliver.  Click here to access Mike Garratt's paper in the Downloads area.

>>The FREIGHTWISE project's 2nd Annual International Conference in Prague on 1-2 December 2008 focused on providing participants with the opportunity to analyse, critique and look for opportunities to utilise the key "product" from the project - the Freightwise Framework (FWF).  Chris Rowland from MDS Transmodal led the discussion on the commercial benefits. More...

>>Much comment is being made about the global economic recession and the resulting difficulties for the container shipping lines.  Read MDS Transmodal's China Trade Briefing Note to explore the quarterly trends in commodities being exported from China in 2008.  More...  in the Downloads area.

>>At the British Port Association's recently held 2008 Annual Conference in Milford Haven, Gail Bradford presented a paper on trends and prospects in the GB and Irish roro and lolo feeder markets. The paper covered long-term trends and forecasts to 2030, coinciding with the MDS recent forecasts for the DfT, combined with a reflection on the effects of the current economic slowdown. Gail described the paper as "Facts, figures and food for thought".  A copy of the paper can be downloaded here from the Download area.  

>>Container Capacity Forecasts, 1st quarter 2009 for main east/west routes now available; showing anticipated deployment of exisiting and newbuild vessels to 2010 and consequent capacity by trade lane. More...

>>Consolidated UK International Passenger database, now complete for 2007, describing passenger volumes by mode, route, origin/destination, journey purpose, length of stay and purpose, compatible with IPS, ferry operator and CAA sources. More...

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MDS Transmodal is an independent consultancy. We provide economic and commercial advice in the international transport sector, specialising particularly in freight transport including shipping, ports, road and rail, logistics and distribution. Our clients are drawn from a wide spectrum of public organisations and private companies. More...

Consultancy - Recent Assignments

The Merseyside Partnership has commissioned MDS Transmodal and Roger Tym & Partners to carry out a major economic study on the concept of the Liverpool SuperPort, which focuses on the potential for high quality port and airport infrastructure, allied with service providers in the freight and passenger markets, to collectively develop synergies to make the Liverpool City Region the most competitive logistics and passenger transport cluster in the UK.  

MDS Transmodal and Regeneris Consulting have been commissioned by the Northwest Regional Development Agency to undertake the study: North West Ports: Economic Trends and Land Use. More...

MDS Transmodal has been awarded a contract by Cornwall County Council to undertake a study of the Ports of Fowey and Par to assess their long term potential (a period of up to 50 years) to accommodate freight transport by sea, having particular regard to the bulk transport of secondary aggregates - a waste product derived from china clay workings.  The study is intended to provide baseline evidence to the Council in fulfilling its obligations as the Mineral Planning Authority for the County of Cornwall in determining key aspects of its future policy concerning the safeguarding of important minerals related port and associated infrastructure.  More...

MDS Transmodal has recently completed a study for the Department for Transport [Network Analysis of Freight Traffic] examining freight flows and their contribution to network usage.  Using the M6 corridor as a 'test-bed', we developed and tested a methodology (using the GB Freight Model) for better understanding freight flows on the strategic road network at a link-by-link level. More... 

MDS Transmodal has recently commenced work for East Sussex County Council.  East Sussex's planners and transport officers are currently undertaking a Minerals and Waste Transport Feasibility Study.  The purpose of the study is to establish the feasibility of transporting waste and minerals into, out of and within East Sussex by more sustainable modes.  MDS Transmodal are providing advice and inputs into the feasibility study, particularly with respect to the rail freight, port and coastal shipping issues.  

MDS Transmodal is part of a team examining capacity issues on the existing Dartford river crossings (QEII bridge and Dartford Tunnels) for the Department for Transport.  This project involves use of MDS Transmodal's GB Freight Model.  More...

MDS Transmodal in association with Indecon has been appointed to undertake a study of options for the long-term development of the Port of Dublin. More...

MDS Transmodal worked with Peter Brett Associates on the River Trent Water Freight Feasibility Study for British Waterways and a Steering Group representing public and private organisations in the region. More...

MDS Transmodal acted as traffic and revenue consultant, in partnership with Arup, to the successful bidder for the concession to build and operate the Saudi Arabian Landbridge Railway, linking Jeddah with Riyadh, some 1,000 kms of new railway in total.

In partnership with MVA, MDS Transmodal is developing a freight transport strategy for the Government of Dubai. The project includes creating a robust model of current and future freight flows which the client can use to ensure the provision of appropriate infrastructure