The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

A shift to coastal shipping and rail could cut NZ's freight transport emissions -- why aren't we doing it?

  • Written by Patricio Gallardo, Researcher in Transition Engineering, University of Canterbury
A shift to coastal shipping and rail could cut NZ's freight transport emissions -- why aren't we doing it?

According to a recent study[1], coastal shipping produces a fifth of the carbon emissions (well-to-wheel) of road freight. Rail also performed well, with about a quarter of trucking emissions.

Despite this, trucking accounts for nearly 80% of New Zealand’s heavy goods transport, and a 94.5% share of the total emissions from heavy freight transport.

The dominance of trucking follows the expansion of the road network, which enables trucks to move relatively fast, travel to hard-to-reach locations and adjust routes to meet the flexibility required for just-in-time deliveries.

New Zealand's main road network
The road network enables trucks to carry freight fast to most parts of the country. Transport Dashboard, CC BY-ND[2][3]

But despite its advantages, trucking is associated with external costs, including higher carbon emissions than other modes of transportation.

This study represents the most comprehensive comparison of freight emissions for different carriers to date for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Before we evaluate decarbonisation pathways, we need to have a solid understanding of the freight system. To this end, we have created a transport dashboard[4] to visualise the carbon footprint of freight movements within New Zealand.

The maps show where trucks deliver most freight (left) and where rail transports most goods (in million tonnes).
These maps show where trucks (left) and rail (right) deliver most freight (in million tonnes). Transport dashboard, CC BY-ND[5]

With decarbonisation commitments firmly locked into legislation[6], we have hard deadlines to cut emissions. Failure to do so will represent a risk to New Zealand’s economy and likely require taxpayer money to buy expensive international carbon offsets[7].

Read more: Why New Zealand should invest in smart rail before green hydrogen to decarbonise transport[8]

We need to reconsider how we operate

A shift to less energy-intensive freight transport modes like coastal shipping and rail represents a possible pathway to reducing fossil-fuel dependency.

But despite the benefits of sea and rail transport, it remains unclear how to achieve the shift to new infrastructure and technologies. A key requirement is access to an efficient multi-modal network that integrates ports, inland terminals, distribution hubs, roads and railways.

This map shows the sea routes out of Lyttelton harbour.
Lyttelton harbour is one of the starting points for freight shipping to other parts of New Zealand. Transport Dashboard, CC BY-ND[9]

We can achieve economies of scale[10] by transporting larger volumes of goods, which would lead to cheaper costs per unit. As the European Commission noted[11]:

The challenge is to ensure structural change to enable rail to compete effectively and take a significantly greater proportion of medium and long-distance freight.

Our research was focused on creating a detailed understanding of New Zealand’s current heavy-freight system. Emissions reporting extended beyond the direct combustion of fuels and accounted for vehicle-embedded emissions. We also consolidated data from multiple sources, which helped with calculating energy demand and direct and indirect emissions for every freight mode.

For example, we found the majority of a truck’s lifetime emissions (almost 80%) come from the fuel it consumes. This is why it’s important to prioritise operational aspects and switch to non-fossil propulsion technologies.

Read more: Transport emissions have doubled in 40 years – expand railways to get them on track[12]

Where to from here

It will take considerable investment to expand or upgrade transport networks and optimise freight corridors[13] in terms of energy use and emissions. Beyond our research, we’ll need complementary work to investigate the technical and economic feasibility of non-fossil propulsion technologies.

We’ll have to take a holistic approach[14] to map feasibility hurdles (technical challenges, material needs, system architecture and integration) that must be overcome.

The ultimate goal is to decrease fossil fuel demand and emissions while ensuring long-term economic and trading resilience.

Equally crucial is the participation and support from stakeholders. Freight transport is a complex system characterised by multiple interests[15] (policy makers, shippers, freight forwarders, port and rail representatives) with sometimes conflicting views. Strategic planning also needs to acknowledge consumer preferences and their impacts on energy use[16].

The latest report[17] by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC[18]) elaborates on this:

Drawing on diverse knowledges and cultural values, meaningful participation and inclusive engagement processes—including Indigenous knowledge, local knowledge, and scientific knowledge—facilitates climate resilient development, builds capacity and allows locally appropriate and socially acceptable solutions.

Beyond the focus on emissions cuts, we need to engineer freight systems with a high capacity to adapt[19], so they can sustain trade and wellbeing while operating at much lower energy levels. The notion of adaptation also has to extend further than the current focus on physical protection against extreme weather events.

Read more: IPCC report: the world must cut emissions and urgently adapt to the new climate realities[20]

The tools and technologies to decarbonise freight transportation in New Zealand are available now. The problem lies in their integration and the understanding of the trade-offs at stake. Freight transport emissions can be reduced through cost-effective investments in multi-modal infrastructure and alternative propulsion technologies.

However, it is essential for future initiatives to operate within the biophysical limits of our planet, as emphasised in the IPCC’s report:

Technological innovation can have trade-offs such as new and greater environmental impacts, social inequalities, overdependence on foreign knowledge and providers, distributional impacts and rebound effects, requiring appropriate governance and policies to enhance potential and reduce trade-offs.

References

  1. ^ study (www.canterbury.ac.nz)
  2. ^ Transport Dashboard (www.canterbury.ac.nz)
  3. ^ CC BY-ND (creativecommons.org)
  4. ^ transport dashboard (epecentre-nzfreight-i7y49.ondigitalocean.app)
  5. ^ CC BY-ND (creativecommons.org)
  6. ^ legislation (environment.govt.nz)
  7. ^ carbon offsets (www.nzherald.co.nz)
  8. ^ Why New Zealand should invest in smart rail before green hydrogen to decarbonise transport (theconversation.com)
  9. ^ CC BY-ND (creativecommons.org)
  10. ^ economies of scale (etrr.springeropen.com)
  11. ^ noted (eur-lex.europa.eu)
  12. ^ Transport emissions have doubled in 40 years – expand railways to get them on track (theconversation.com)
  13. ^ optimise freight corridors (www.mdpi.com)
  14. ^ holistic approach (www.transitionengineering.org)
  15. ^ multiple interests (www.sciencedirect.com)
  16. ^ energy use (www.sciencedirect.com)
  17. ^ report (www.ipcc.ch)
  18. ^ IPCC (www.ipcc.ch)
  19. ^ capacity to adapt (www.mdpi.com)
  20. ^ IPCC report: the world must cut emissions and urgently adapt to the new climate realities (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/a-shift-to-coastal-shipping-and-rail-could-cut-nzs-freight-transport-emissions-why-arent-we-doing-it-204023

The Times Features

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Uncover the Elegance of Gorgeous Diamond Tennis Necklaces

Key Highlights Diamond tennis necklaces are a timeless piece of jewelry that exudes elegance and sophistication. They feature a continuous line of brilliant-cut diamonds, cre...

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Better for You?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, two of the most common options are dental implants and dentures. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so choosing between them ...

What Neck Pain Really Means (And Why It’s More Than Just Poor Posture)

Neck pain is often brushed off as something temporary — a tight spot after a long day at the desk or a poor night’s sleep. But when the discomfort keeps returning, it could be a ...

The Work of Gosha Rubchinskiy: Fashion, Culture, and Youth

From Designer to Cultural Architect Gosha Rubchinskiy is not just a fashion designer—he's a cultural force. Born in Moscow in 1984, Rubchinskiy began his career in fashion in t...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping