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27. July 2020The Association of Raw Timber (AGR) expresses criticism in a position paper regarding the master plan for rail transport published by the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMVI) in June. The main points of criticism are the bureaucracy involved in the creation of connecting tracks and the lack of sufficient loading stations in the area.
(PressBox: Berlin) The Federal Ministry of Transport (BMVI) published the master plan for rail transport in June 2020. As part of the economic stimulus package, 7.5 billion euros are to be allocated for the renewal of infrastructure. In a position paper, the Association of Raw Timber (AGR) expresses criticism: The reform contains too few measures to promote freight transport.
Freight transport is primarily considered in the BMVI’s plans through the expansion of track numbers, further electrification, and the equal treatment in the German timetable. This provides for a half-hourly schedule of passenger trains on all major traffic axes in Germany, without restricting freight transport.
Nevertheless, there is a need for improvement, as the transport of timber should increasingly take place by rail in terms of CO2 savings. “Many companies in the timber industry would transport more timber by rail if the currently lengthy setup procedures for track connections were bureaucratically simplified and there was a comprehensive network of timber loading centers,” comments Leonhard Nossol, President of the AGR.
Loading Stations in Rural Areas Are Lacking
In particular, regarding the likely ongoing accumulation of storm and beetle wood, the transport via loading stations in rural areas could provide quick relief in the forests. “Only through the rapid removal of damaged wood can we protect the forests from further massive damage, and rail transport plays a key role in this,” adds Lukas Freise, Managing Director of the AGR.
A survey among the members of AGR and the Federal Association of the German Sawmill and Timber Industry (DeSH) confirms: The lack of loading stations in the area is one of the biggest obstacles to expanding timber transport by rail.
The master plan for rail transport is a step in the right direction. However, from the AGR’s perspective, the focus is too much on the German timetable for passenger transport. To achieve the climate goals of the federal government, urgent improvements are needed in the area of freight transport.
The AGR Position Paper for Further Reading
Association of Raw Timber e.V. (AGR)
The Association of Raw Timber e.V. (AGR) is a voluntary association of companies and associations in the raw timber-consuming industries in Germany and neighboring countries. The AGR advocates for efficient and sustainable use of the renewable raw material wood. It engages in dialogue with representatives from media, business, politics, as well as research and education to improve the economic and political framework conditions for the material use of wood. In cooperation with forestry, the AGR is committed to sustainable forest management that aligns with economic, ecological, and social interests.
Photo: © AGR
