Chemical Logistics Cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe – the “ChemLog” project

The chemical industry is one of the most important industrial sectors in Europe and logistical infrastructure is a decisive factor for its international competitiveness. While in Western Europe highly sophisticated feedstock networks and supporting infrastructures serve as asset for the chemical industry, Central and Eastern European regions lack feedstock networks and transport infrastructures to free up the whole potential of the European enlargement process. Therefore questions related to the development of logistics for the chemical industry are of strategic importance for the economic development of the European Union.

The integration of the Central and Eastern European transportation into the wider European transport system is a specific challenge. One of the main shortcomings are the underdeveloped connections from West to East. With improvements here, Central and Eastern European countries could assume a gateway function between Western and Eastern European markets as well as towards future markets in Russia and Asia.

This is why some ECRN members, together with Stakeholders in Central and Eastern Europe, have taken up the initiative to improve conditions for chemical logistics. From the very beginning the idea gained strong support from the European Commission. Based on that an implementation schedule has been developed and the ChemLog project could successfully start its activities in November 2008.

“ChemLog – Chemical Logistics Cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe” brings together the following partners:

• Ministry of Economy and Labour of Saxony-Anhalt (DE)
• Ministry of Regional development and Transport Saxony-Anhalt (DE)
• isw Institute for Structural Policy and Economic Development, Halle/S. (DE)
• Polish Chamber of Chemical Industry (PL)
• Association of the Chemical Industry Czech Republic (CZ)
• Association of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry of Slovak republic (SK)
• Usti region (CZ)
• Province Novara (IT)
• FHoÖ Research and Development GmbH/Logistikum Steyr (AT)
• Regional Development Holding, Budapest (HU)

The main objective of the consortia is to strengthen the competitiveness of the chemical industry by improving framework conditions for supply chain management in Central and Eastern Europe. Therefore the project aims to overcome barriers for transnational transport in the West-East and East-West dimension by initiating a broad process of exchange of experience and facilitation the development of transnational infrastructure projects with high relevance for the chemical industry.

During the first period of the project ChemLog Partners have jointly implemented a SWOT Analysis and identified strength and weaknesses of chemical companies in general and in terms of chemical logistics in particular. The complete document including its summary and recommendations is published in hardcopy and can be downloaded at www.chemlog.info/news.html.

Until the November 2009 partners prepare a study on best practice solutions to initiate an interregional exchange of experience and knowledge transfer.

In the next year the partners will complete several feasibility studies on pipelines, intermodal transport, railway and waterway transport to prepare investments in selected infrastructure projects with high priority for the chemical industry. Based on the results of the SWOT Analysis and Feasibility Studies the partners will develop a Joint Strategy and Action Plan in order to support the implementation of joint recommendations beyond the life time of the project. A Network of Central and Eastern European Chemical Logistics will be established and serve as sustainable and effective cooperation platform. During the whole life time of the project all activities will of the network will be widely disseminated and regular Regional Meetings in all partner regions ensure that all relevant stakeholders get involved.

The project receives financial support from the Central Europe Programme (INTERREG IVB).

Actors of the economy and the labor market are actively involved as the organizations of employers (employers Nordostchemie e.V.), the employees (Mining Chemistry Energy), the chambers of industry and commerce are partners as well as employment agencies, consortiums, utility companies, municipalities and others. Furthermore, suitable training opportunities are proposed and systematic implementation models with educational institutions, colleges and universities are proposed.

Further information on project’s website: http://www.chemlog.info

Daniela Bergelt
phone: +49 (0) 391 567 4290
mail: Daniela.Bergelt@mw.sachsen-anhalt.de