HAMBURG. At the “InnoTrans” trade fair in September, the Zentralverband der deutschen Seehafenbetriebe (ZDS) presented a policy paper on rail transport, calling for the expansion and modernisation of the rail network. “Germany’s seaports constitute economic, energy and security infrastructure all at once. But a port is only as efficient as its connections to the hinterland. If the rail network does not function properly, the ports also lose their effectiveness – and with them the entire business location. An efficient rail network is therefore not a minor detail of transport policy, but is of strategic importance for our country,” said Florian Keisinger, Chief Executive of the ZDS. In its policy paper, the ZDS sets out a rail policy that takes greater account of the requirements of seaports and freight transport. The focus is on six key demands. These include, amongst other things, aligning corridor upgrades with freight transport needs, not only renovating but also expanding the network, and a fundamental reform of train path pricing.
Photo: Messe Berlin GmbH