由 caicai8478 In today’s global context of addressing climate change and implementing dual-carbon goals, the logistics industry, as a major consumer of energy and a major emitter of carbon, urgently needs a green transformation. Multimodal transport, with its inherent efficiency and model advantages, is leaping from an efficient logistics organization method to a key lever and core driver for the sustainable development of the logistics industry.
It is not simply about being “more environmentally friendly,” but rather about fundamentally reshaping the carbon footprint of logistics through systematic structural optimization.
I. Essential Advantages: The “Green Genes” of Multimodal Transport
The green attributes of multimodal transport are rooted in its core operating model:
Model Optimization: Enabling Goods to Ride on “Green Trains”
The core of multimodal transport is “road-to-rail” and “road-to-water.” It shifts long-haul transportation from fuel-intensive trucks to more energy-efficient rail and waterways as much as possible.
Data speaks for itself: Typically, the carbon intensity per unit of cargo transported by rail is only 1/5 to 1/3 that of road transport; waterway transport is even lower. This mode of transport shift itself is the most significant and effective emission reduction action.
Scale Effect: Achieving “Intensive Use” of Energy
An electrically powered freight train or a giant container ship can carry hundreds of containers, with energy consumption per unit of cargo far lower than that of hundreds of diesel trucks transporting them individually. This scale effect brings a qualitative leap in energy efficiency.
Reducing Empty Runs and Congestion: Optimizing Overall System Efficiency
Multimodal transport relies on fixed hubs and schedules, making transport planning more efficient. Standardized containers, as universal carriers, circulate efficiently between different modes of transport, significantly reducing empty runs, detours, and traffic congestion common in traditional truck transport, thereby reducing ineffective carbon emissions.
II. Synergistic Effects: The Infinite Possibilities of “Green Multimodal Transport+”
Multimodal transport is not only green in itself, but also a platform and carrier that can be combined with cutting-edge technologies and concepts to generate a synergistic emission reduction effect of “1+1>2”.
“Multimodal Transport + Digitalization”
Intelligent Route Planning: Utilizing big data and artificial intelligence, customized transportation solutions are created for enterprises that are not only “fastest and most economical” but also “greenest,” dynamically optimizing routes and reducing energy waste.
Full-Process Visualization: Digital platforms enable accurate tracking and forecasting of goods, helping warehouses and distribution centers achieve “precise stocking,” reducing inventory and waiting time, and improving the responsiveness and efficiency of the entire supply chain.
“Multimodal Transport + Clean Energy”
Green Hubs: At key nodes such as ports and railway stations, the use of electric trucks and hydrogen-powered trucks for internal transfers is promoted, and equipment such as gantry cranes is converted from diesel-powered to electric-powered (shore power), completely eliminating direct emissions from hub nodes.
Cleaner Trunk Lines: Railway electrification is a natural advantage. With the increasing proportion of green power grids (wind, solar, and hydropower), indirect carbon emissions from rail transport will approach zero.
“Multimodal Transport + Circular Economy”
Standardized containers are themselves robust and reusable loading units, replacing a large number of disposable wooden pallets and excessive packaging, reducing packaging waste at the source.
III. Future Vision: Building a Full-Chain Green Logistics Ecosystem
Multimodal transport is driving a green revolution from “points” to “lines” and then to “areas.”
From “points” to “lines”: It connects various green “points” (such as green ports and green railways), weaving them into a low-emission “green transport trunk line.”
From “lines” to “networks”: Multiple green trunk lines intertwine, ultimately forming a global low-carbon logistics network.
From “networks” to “ecosystems”: This network will be deeply integrated with green energy, digital technology, and carbon accounting systems, forming a smart green logistics ecosystem capable of self-optimization and continuously reducing environmental impact. Summary and Outlook:
Multimodal transport is not merely about “subtraction” (emission reduction) within the existing logistics system, but rather about “multiplication.” Through systemic structural changes, it internalizes environmental costs into operational efficiency, achieving a balance between economic and environmental benefits.
On the path to sustainable development, it is no longer an option, but an inevitable one. As more and more goods flow efficiently through the “green veins” on the “steel skeleton,” we will usher in a new logistics future with bluer skies, smoother roads, and lower costs.