FFC 7 - Modal Shift is Mind Shift

East Flanders , the Belgian province in which Ghent is

located , has been driven for ages by markets . Centuries

ago , merchants of the Hanseatic league provided the

City with produce from the Baltics whereas regional

farmers served local fresh markets .

InnoWaTr ´ s Ghent - based FFC reenactes the city ´ s history

and conceptualises a water - borne supply chain for

beverages and food , locally grown and harvested ( short

food chain logistics ) . In future , both regular deliveries to

weekly markets or corner shops might travel by electric

barge into the city . Seasonal consignments , such as

Christmas trees , could add to the portfolio .

The idea sounds enticing ; a market review establishes

how urban waterway logistics can deliver up to its

promises in terms of transit times , as freshness is

paramount . However , one important aspect of such

approaches should never be underestimated : Bringing

inland shipping into the hearts of our cities is one way to

bring it into their minds !