Geographic Focus: Republic of Armenia, Azerbaijan Republic, Georgia, Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrghyz Republic, Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Republic of Uzbekistan

Project Budget : EURO 500,000

Contractor: BCEOM

Implementation timetable: January 1996 through January 1997

Background and Objectives. Intermodal transport is a key element contributing largely to the success of world trade development and the integration of Western economies. The use of intermodal systems should provide competitive transport in the TRACECA region, which is characterised by road and rail links of long distances, and sea crossings. Considering the emerging links with international transportation networks the need for an effective and integrated intermodal system penetrating the TRACECA region is evident. The objectives of this project were: (i) to provide recommendations addressing problems in the organisation of intermodal transport within the TRACECA area and improving linkages to international routes ; (ii) to transfer intermodal technology know-how, especially in the area of ISO container handling and new transport techniques ; and (iii) to provide recommendations to rail and intermodal transport organisations in the area to concentrate modern facilities where most needed, and to equip them appropriately, including indications of typical costs.

Key Issues and Achievements. Co-operation between modal operators in the region has not extended to the establishment of "seamless" fast services which international clients expect elsewhere in the world. There was a fundamental need to introduce such concepts to regional operators. To that end, an intermodal freight transport group, covering all TRACECA countries was established and taken on a study tour to the EU to examine the organisation and operation of multi-modal terminals from a technical and commercial viewpoint. It included analysis of rail, road and maritime modes and many facets of multi-modal transport associated logistics-related services in Germany and France. In the workshop that followed, intermodal case studies were presented to generate interest in possible solutions to local issues and to train staff in the appropriate technology. The seminar also allowed organisations from all TRACECA countries and from different transport modes to be brought together around the same table to discuss the Multi-modal Transport Strategy proposed by the European team of experts. To demonstrate the benefits of intermodal transport, case studies were produced providing focus for international traffic in TRACECA and to help train the staff involved in appropriate intermodal technology and commercialisation. The export of cotton was seen as a good potential traffic for intermodal operations using containers, thus providing return loads for containers from the EU. This project was a first analysis of this vital transport technology. It is being followed by further TRACECA projects that build on the experience gained. These include equipment supply, the Trans-Caucasian Logistic Express, and Intermodal Services and Training. In the subsequent Tarification and Time Tables project, agreement has been reached to create a common regional intermodal operator, which is a very significant step towards institutional goals first established within this project.This concept will be further examined by the " Inter - Governmental Joint Commission " to implement the Multi-Lateral Agreement (MLA).