Industry seeking a Nordic transport plan

Establish a Nordic transport plan. That was the clear message from the sector during Wednesday’s key seminar at Elmia Future Transport, Industry’s Vision for Better Transport in the Nordic Region.

“The national transport plans only extend as far as the borders – and barely that,” said Are Kjensli, Director of NHO Logistics and Transport.

What visions does Nordic industry have for better transport? Norway’s Ambassador to Sweden, Kai Eide, began the seminar focusing on visions for the Iron Ore Line and the Oslo-Gothenburg corridor. He summed up his thoughts by requesting better co-operation between the Nordic countries. This then became the starting point for the subsequent discussion.

“Few other places on Earth have such an excellent point of departure as the Nordic countries. Planning can’t stop at the borders,” said Michael Svane, Director of Transport at the Confederation of Danish Industry.

However, the panel commented that there is no great political interest in a joint transport plan. Per Bondemark, Chairman of the Swedish Shippers’ Council, emphasised the importance of efficient freight transport for a convenient, functioning society. Meanwhile, in Sweden he can see neglected railway maintenance and conflicting political decisions.

“We must have a strategy for achieving the society we want, but I don’t see that strategy from government authorities. Scandinavian co-operation is what’s needed,” he said.