Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

HOLOGISTICS: EU Project Coordinated by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Launched to Accelerate Freight Transport Decarbonisation

HOLOGISTICS – Holistically Optimised Logistics Operations and Green Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Transport Cargo – has been officially launched. This ambitious project is co-funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No. 101202556 and by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), and is coordinated by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Its primary aim is to accelerate the decarbonisation of freight transport and logistics networks across Europe through next-generation solutions that are interoperable, scalable, and based on open standards.

Under the scientific leadership of Professor Mauro Dell’Amico from the Department of Sciences and Methods for Engineering at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, the project will run until the end of 2028. Its goal is to reduce emissions in the sector while improving the efficiency, connectivity, and resilience of freight transport networks.

Over its lifetime, HOLOGISTICS will develop and demonstrate 12 innovative physical and digital solutions. These range from smart, interoperable containers and zero-emission transport vehicles and services, to AI-driven digital platforms and IoT tools for logistics optimisation, as well as new models for resource sharing and collaborative governance.

The solutions will be tested in real-world conditions through three large-scale pilot projects and validated via simulations of complex logistics networks across various industrial sectors.

HOLOGISTICS brings together 25 organisations from 14 European countries, combining academic excellence with strong industrial and operational expertise. Key partners include major logistics and transport operators such as CMA CGM, UPS, DHL Management (Switzerland) Ltd (Associated Partner), Panasonic Business Support Europe GmbH, Pošta Slovenije, Tallink Grupp, Luka Koper – Port and Logistic System, CargoBeamer and Adria Kombi. They are joined by technology providers, research organisations and SMEs, including ICOOR, MJC2 Limited, Damen Research Development & Innovation, Transport and Telecommunication Institute (TSI), Frontier Innovation Centre AMKE, DNV, MarloConsult, CPR System Società Cooperativa, Solvesall Labs, Bologna Agri-Food Centre, Muhr und Bender (Mubea U-Mobility), Forum Virium Helsinki, Timmerfabriek Webo, and ECSLA, with the Politecnico di Milano participating as an affiliated entity.

The project aligns fully with the European climate agenda: HOLOGISTICS supports the European Commission’s target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. Through its pilot projects, the consortium aims to demonstrate tangible results, including reduced emissions and road kilometres, increased efficiency in ports and logistics hubs, lower logistics costs, greater use of rail transport for medium- and long-distance freight, and wider adoption of zero-emission solutions for local and last-mile operations.

HOLOGISTICS has already entered its implementation phase, with several Work Packages now underway: WP1 (Vision, Opportunities and Requirements), WP3 (Innovative Zero-Emission Vehicles/Vessels and Multimodality), WP4 (Synchromodal Logistics Network Systems), WP7 (Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation), and WP8 (Project Management).

A key milestone in this phase was the WP3 kick-off meeting, held on 29 January at the UPS headquarters in Monheim, Germany. Led by CargoBeamer AG, WP3 focuses on the development and integration of physical infrastructure and zero-emission transport assets that will enable interoperable and sustainable operations at a European scale. The solutions under development range from cargo bike systems for urban logistics to automated zero-emission vessels for inland waterways, as well as innovative rail freight technologies designed to make rail more accessible and efficient, even for smaller shipments.

WP3 also plays a crucial role in ensuring full technical interoperability between different modes of transport, in preparation for pilot demonstrations under real operating conditions.

In parallel, WP4 is developing the project’s digital backbone, enabling data exchange, interoperability and optimisation through AI-based logistics tools, IoT technologies, and digital platforms.

For further details: https://hologistics.eu/contact-us/

Categorie: International - english, Notizie_eng