WIT Press


Security Of Multimodal Dangerous Freight Transport: The Way Forward

Price

Free (open access)

Volume

117

Pages

9

Page Range

327 - 335

Published

2011

Size

396 kb

Paper DOI

10.2495/SAFE110291

Copyright

WIT Press

Author(s)

G. L. L. Reniers

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss the need for developing methodologies and tools for efficiently managing the taking of security countermeasures for hazmat transport. Transportation of dangerous freight is a complex problem characterized with multi-modality and with multiple stakeholders and decision-makers. Several future directions are given to advance academic and professional research in this ever more important field. Keywords: hazmat transport, security, multi-modal transport, dangerous freight. 1 Introduction Although until present the number of security-related accidents involving hazardous substances is rather limited in the Western World, a wide variety of security threats do exist against hazmat transport. A chemical shipment can fall victim to a number of different types of attacks inspired by terrorism. These types of attacks, combined with recent accidents, are changing the perception and tolerance of managing the risks of hazardous material transportation operations. The vulnerabilities of the transportation infrastructure and the potential consequences of hazmat transportation incidents urge policy makers to take action, resulting in worldwide calls for legislation directed at increased security, rerouting of hazardous material shipments with emphasis on security, and the push for application of inherently safer technologies, leading to enhanced

Keywords

hazmat transport, security, multi-modal transport, dangerous freight