Market and feasibility studies

Market studies for freight transport services and infrastructure are based on analysis of the market and policy environment. The work generally involves sizing and segmenting the market using in-house databases, analysing the competition and examining the key commercial and economic drivers of demand and supply. Freight transport demand modelling techniques are frequently used to estimate the impact of scenarios on demand in a market sector, transport corridor or for a particular service.

Our demand-side feasibility studies usually conclude with the development of a financial model, providing demand, revenue and profit analyses using financial modelling techniques and based on a full understanding of the underlying costs.  These analyses can then be used to develop business cases for presentation to the boards of companies or to public sector bodies as part of Cost Benefit Analysis.

Forecasts of traffic and revenue for transport infrastructure and services are developed at a global, national and service level, based on modelling techniques and an understanding of the key economic drivers involved. A quantitative approach is taken, generally based on our own databases and economic models and always on an understanding of the market and policy context within which change will occur. 

Analysis of transport capacity at a global scale is provided for the container shipping and roll on –roll off shipping industries.  The key resources are the Containership Databank and the Ferries Databank.  We also analyse capacity issues at a micro level related to port infrastructure on behalf of the port owners and operators and port authorities.

In the rail freight sector, modelling techniques are used to allocate forecasts of freight demand to the capacity of the rail network. We also undertake analysis of infrastructure capacity in terms of, for example, the availability of train paths and the analysis of loading gauge for rail freight services.

Studies for the private sector assess the need to accommodate additional services on behalf of the developers of rail freight distribution parks and housing developments.