4^th European Conference on ICT for Transport Logistics (ECITL)

The proceedings of the 4^th ECITL can be accessed online, and furthermore the presentations will be availabile at videolectures.net.

During the conference, at which there was a considerable E.U. presence as well as participants from all over the world, from China to America, it was noted that in the field of freight transport and logistics a commonly agreed pan-European architecture for the exchange of data and information is gradually being formed. This is essentially a common language of communication to facilitate trade through integrated logistics operations, and strengthen interoperability between different systems and technologies, ultimately reducing costs and achieving wider (global) implementation.

One of the issues raised by the conference was the importance of Container Security Devices (CSD), which are expected to be used in the near future to monitor the location of containers, the condition of their contents, and whether they have been opened (or tampered with) during long journeys from one part of the world to another.

At the same time, the need to establish "green lanes" for transit through customs was highlighted, whereby containers equipped with CSD technology can move freely without physical checks.

The importance of internet use in transport logistics services was also emphasised during the conference. A range of specialized internet information and interaction platforms were presented, which are soon expected to enter into general application.

In addition, a range of innovations and research results in various sectors of freight transport were presented, including technologies for monitoring special and hazardous loads, technologies for optimising vehicle routing, new business forms and ways of putting research into practice.

The conference took place on 13 and 14 October 2011 at The Met hotel in Thessaloniki. Participants also showed great interest in visiting the port of Thessaloniki and seeing a demonstration of the Container Management Information System at the Port Terminal. This innovative system developed by a Greek company is a very successful example of research being put into practice.