The growing global flow of goods, the increasing problem of traffic congestion and the inefficiencies associated with distribution and logistics or the discerning consumers' high standards for products and delivery services lead to new logistical requirements, for which the model of the 'Physical Internet' has emerged as a probable solution. Physical Internet is a novel concept that transforms how physical objects are designed, manufactured and distributed aiming for a radical sustainability improvement. The implementation of the Physical Internet leads to the need to rethink some basic concepts of logistics such as the shift from private supply networks to open supply networks. Therefore, increased collaboration and coordination is necessary. In order to make a productive contribution to the first steps towards the Physical Internet in Austria, this article focuses on the need for horizontal collaborations, which are required to realize the Physical Internet. Moreover, the study explores the views, experiences, beliefs and motivations of transport service providers in Austria in the context of horizontal collaborations and the Physical Internet. A literature research was carried out in a first step. Afterwards interviews with forwarding agencies and logistics service providers were conducted. Findings highlight that barriers such as the fear of antitrust fines or the high administrative input have to be removed to enable close vertical and horizontal collaboration among different logistics companies in Europe, as the vision of the Physical Internet is encouraging a smooth transition from independent supply chains to open global supply networks. The implementation of a Physical Internet in its full expression could probably take decades, but individual elements of it, such as horizontal and vertical cooperation, are a first step towards this vision. Important components of the implementation process are awareness raising and information sharing.

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In the current discussion about alternative energy supply and strategies in Europe, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) comes to the fore. Today the LNG share in global gas trading is at about 30%, in Europe at only 15.5%. Most notably LNG is used in industry and pipeline feeding. For the use of LNG as fuel, which could reduce the dependence on oil, there are currently only limited supply options for end users. The infrastructure is still in a developing stage.The aim of this work is a detailed analysis and assessment of the developments around the implementation and applications of LNG. With specific focus, the potential of LNG as an alternative fuel for vehicle fleets and ships is being investigated. For this purpose, extensive literature research was carried out as the first step.There is an impressive amount of work and projects that aim to break through these barriers and to implement LNG as alternative energy and fuel source. Currently in Europe there are about 40 LNG filling stations, which supply about 200 trucks and buses. Due to stringent emissions requirements, the LNG-powered ship market has grown in the last decade. About 20 ships are already in transit on the coast of Norway. For inland vessels, LNG as a fuel in Europe is still banned, but nevertheless there are currently two barges operating with a certificate of exemption between Basel and Rotterdam. The results of this paper should point to the problem areas as well as the potentials for LNG as a fuel and make a significant contribution towards further implementation steps.

In the current discussion about alternative energy supply and strategies in Europe, LNG comes to the fore. For the implementation of LNG in Central Europe, there are many hurdles to be overcome. With the “LNG Masterplan Rhine-Main-Danube”, a first step is being made to overcome these barriers. Within this Masterplan, a Framework and Market Analysis was conducted. Therefore, extensive literature research was carried out in a first step, to have a detailed analysis and assessment of the developments for the implementation and applications of LNG. The results of this paper should not only point to the problem areas, but to the potentials for LNG as well and make a significant contribution for further implementation steps.

The transport sector is one of the most energy consuming and highest emissioncausing sectors. In order to counteract this circumstance, the European Commission has developed a European alternative fuels strategy. This strategy also encompasses the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG). In Austria, as well as in other landlocked European countries, LNG offers new market opportunities. However, there are lots of uncertainties and hurdles like no existing LNG infrastructure and very limited supply options to overcome. To make a significant contribution for the introduction of LNG as a fuel in Austria, the aim of this paper is on the one hand to identify pioneer customers to define interest and demand for LNG as a new fueling alternative and on the other hand to investigate different supply options and their economic performance. The analyses were conducted through desktop research, inquiries to LNG suppliers and transport companies as well as interviews with operators. First results of the supply analysis revealed LNG transportation costs, depending on the choice of transport mode (train, truck or inland vessel) and the reference terminal (Rotterdam or Zeebrugge). Findings of the demand analysis have highlighted that some interview partners already considered switching to LNG for very different purposes, whereby for other partners LNG is not an option. In fact, the missing LNG infrastructure and various hurdles in different supply options have been identified as the most apparent obstacle, which is impeding LNG usage.