New York State Canal System: Modern Freight-Way

摘要

This study demonstrates the benefits of waterborne freight logistics and makes the case for instituting container-onbarge service on the New York State Canal System. We summarize numerous studies comparing the energy requirements and environmental externalities of freight transportation modes. Our footnotes provide a roadmap through some of the best prior research that demonstrates the benefits of waterborne logistics. Since barge traffic on the New York State Canal System declined five decades ago, much has changed in modern logistics. Containerized cargo revolutionized global trade, enabling multi-modal systems that move cargo farther, faster and cheaper but regions that fail to embrace the box run the risk of being left behind. We explain why inland multimodal container ports make sense for New York. Europe provides a role model. The Rhine region is similar to New York. We describe how Europe makes use of inland waterborne containerized freight to strengthen their economies and provide an environmentally sustainable logistics solution. Using financial analysis, we show that container-on-barge service is feasible in New York, right now. We examine the operating costs of trucks and barges and we develop a system cost model for this service, inclusive of port facilities and barge investments.