Pipelines considered as a mode of freight transport a review of current and possible future uses

Are freight pipelines a pipe dream? A critical review of the UK and European perspective

“…Investment costs can be regarded as a main influencing factor for underground infrastructure planning (Gordijn, 1999). Other researchers (see Butler, 1978;James, 1980;Howgego and Roe, 1998) make reference to the relative costs involved in this venture. In developing a capsule pipeline network, there will be significant sunk costs in delivering the infrastructure and so it is essential the network offers a long term transport solution.…”

“…In a separate exploratory study, James (1980), collaborating with the Department of the Environment, the Department of Transport as well as the TRRL, also conducted further studies concerned with a review of the then current and possible future uses of pipelines. He concluded that pipeline systems are capital-intensive and that the overall costs depend on how the primary installation is funded over the hypothetical life of the system.…”