The Netherlands is building more and more prefabricated homes. The production process is more sustainable than traditional construction, but road transport causes emissions and puts pressure on the road network. Inland shipping offers a clean alternative, but it is not yet the obvious choice. This project takes the first steps toward transporting modular homes by water.

Objective

In this project, we are developing a planning system that connects factory production, inland shipping, loading and unloading, intermediate storage, onward transport, and placement. This system supports logistics planners and provides immediate insight into cost and emissions savings.

Results

In the pilot studies, we expect:

  • At least 80% CO₂ reduction
  • At least 55% NOₓ reduction
  • At least 85% PM reduction
  • Lower construction costs
  • A shift from road transport to inland shipping
  • Zero-emission pre- and onward transport

Approach

We are creating a data framework to collect information on inland shipping capacity and locations. AI-driven decision trees and planning algorithms will consolidate shipments, determine routes, and schedule transshipment. We will validate the results in two pilot projects: one with Plegt Vos and one with HDO Groep.

Education impact

MULTIPLIER provides professionals with a planning system for modular home logistics. The system matches transport demand and supply and allows shipments to be consolidated. This leads to better utilization of inland shipping and can reduce transport costs. In all activities, we give student groups from various programs the opportunity to apply what they have learned in practice.

HU researchers involved in the research

  • Ruben Vrijhoef | Professor | Research group Building Future Cities
    Ruben Vrijhoef
    • Professor
    • Research group: Building Future Cities
  • Gido Stoop
    Gido Stoop
    • Researcher
    • Research group: Process Innovation and Information Systems
  • Timo Walraven
    • Researcher
    • Research group: Building Future Cities
  • Martin van Dijkhuizen
    • Researcher
    • Research groups: Building Future Cities, Applied Urban Energy Transition

Collaboration with knowledge partners

For this project we work together with various partners. To see the complete list check Partners Multiplier Project and scroll down.

Co-Financed by

TKI DINALOG

Photo

HDO-Groep

Related research groups

Related courses

Would you like to collaborate or do you have any questions?

Martin van Dijkhuizen

  • Researcher
  • Research groups: Applied Urban Energy Transition, Building Future Cities