Assessment of external costs of transportation using transport network models

This paper presents a methodology for calculating external costs of transportation, greenhouse gases and air pollution emissions using models of transport networks, including those supporting road, sea and rail modes of transportation. External costs are estimated using the latest European Union handbook for external cost evaluation, combined with an assessment of emissions using a bottom-up approach. A numerical tool implementing this methodology is applied in a case study dedicated to studying alternative intermodal transport chains for cargos originating in the Far-East and bound for land-locked regions of Central Europe. Transport chains using gateway seaports in the Mediterranean Sea and North Sea (Piraeus and Rotterdam), coupled to European Union rail freight corridors, are used to reach final destinations. The conclusion is that although Piraeus is preferable from the point of view of emissions, the utilization of Rotterdam leads to lower external costs.