FFC Definition Roulette

InnoWaTr Centre of Expertise

48

The InnoWaTr project aims to

establish a comprehensive

strategy for developing freight

flow coalitions ( FFCs ) . However , to

ensure alignment among the 26

project partners and external

collaborators , a clear idea of what

constitutes a “ freight flow

coalition ” is essential .

During the project meeting in

Hamburg in February 2024 , the

consortium recognized that each

partner had a unique

interpretation of the term -

prompting the need for a unified

understanding .

Considering the existing supply

chain management terminology ,

an initial workshop in Hamburg

and a relaunch of this survey

during a project meeting in

Bremen in March 2025 , the

consortium was able to sort the

handful of definitions again .

Common keywords and themes

identified in amongst partners

included collaboration trust

transportation communication

Our idea of “ what a FFC is ? ” evolved over time . A handful of initials definitions

highlight the complexity of the project ´ s FFCs ( see blue box below ) and

reflect different understandings what purpose FFC are for . Which definition is

the most prescient remains to be seen .

For individuals aiming to create their own FFC , it ' s important to start

conversations that outline mutual goals and interests . Identifying and

addressing any discrepancies between partners ´ and coalition objectives

early in the process can improve collaboration . Therefore , having a clear

definition of what a " freight flow coalition " entails is vital for establishing a

common foundation . Thus , it decides on the success and survival of an FFC .

Sabrina Wilms

A way to set up a supply chain / logistics chain which fosters modal shift

towards inland waterway transport .

~

A method to balance shared goals , ambitions & stakes around specific

freight flows , weighing individual interests to overcome challenges towards a

sustainable transport by water .

~

A collaborative effort of supply chain stakeholders aligning interests through

( financial , environmental … ) incentives fostering a joint vision for innovative

synchromodal freight transport .

A perceived opportunity to test create or develop a freight market

creating a dynamic sub solution focused temporal collaboration between

public and or private stakeholders with a clear definition of limits boundaries

and levels of transparency of such collaboration under dynamic leadership

based on common trust

as of February 2025

Picture series created word cloud from the

initial Hamburg workshop on the definition of

a FFC in which different groups came up with

definitions that were later on voted for via

Menti

Supporting

Action

How our understanding of FFC evolved over the Project .