D5 Annex report WP 3: ETIS Database methodology ... - ETIS plus

D5 Annex WP 3: DATABASE METHODOLOGY AND DATABASE USER MANUAL –
FREIGHT TRANSPORT DEMAND
In annex C a description is included of a pilot exercise performed by MDS within the ‘Concerted
Action Short Sea Shipping’ project where a method has been tested to estimate region­region flows
from region­country data sources (A countries).
4.5.4 Phase IV Incorporating domestic transport
The previous phases are completely directed towards international transport. The fourth step
concerns the inclusion of domestic transport in the database.
A problem arises in the port regions when international and domestic transport is being connected.
Transport that is transhipped in a port is registered twice; in the international trade statistics as well
as in the domestic transport statistics. For example, a trade flow from Brussels via Antwerp by road
to the USA by sea is registered in the domestic transport data as road from Brussels to Antwerp.
A procedure will be applied to remove this type of double counting in the database. It reconstructs
the complete chain by attaching domestic egress or access modes to the harbour for inland
transport.
It can be assumed that the transport between inland regions (without a sea port) is determined by
domestic production and consumption patterns. Also it can be assumed that front or end transport
connecting rail and inland waterways is taking place within the region of origin or destination (intra
regional transport).
The connection between the two sources of information is complicated by the fact that international
trade flow statistics are based on documents that continuously register all trade passing the border,
while domestic transport is based on surveys in a short period of time. When necessary, a
correction has to be made for this fact in the direction of the trade statistics.
The total top­down approach is schematised in figure 4.1.
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Document2
27 May 2004