Freight transport looks very different around the world. Yet supply chains connect countries and continents, which is why international exchange helps us researchers compare approaches, challenge assumptions, and develop better solutions. There is much we can learn from each other.

We are delighted to welcome Annisa and Maryam Safarnezhad at TU DA! Together with the team from Research Centre for Integrated Transport Innovation (rCITI) at UNSW, we are exploring where the Australian and German freight markets differ, where they face similar challenges, and how data-driven approaches can help identify regulatory and operational levers that support a stronger freight shift to rail.

During their visit at TU Darmstadt, Annisa and Maryam will give insights into their current research projects: Maryam uses reinforcement learning to optimise container relocation and retrieval scheduling in large seaport terminals. Annisa uses system dynamics to examine how the decision-making of Australian road freight operators influences the decarbonisation of heavy-duty vehicle fleets.

Earlier this year, our team members Paul Bossong and Max Preisinger had the opportunity to join our colleagues Down Under and exchange perspectives on how different countries can accelerate the shift from road to rail. Find out more about our collaboration and ongoing research further down.

A big thank you to our colleagues for the inspiring exchange. We are excited to continue our collaboration and learn from each other!

Read more about our research:

Did you know that Germany’s rail freight modal share is around 20% while Australia’s exceeds 60%? Find out more.