HOLOGISTICS project at ALICE Innovation Village

Project overview

HOLOGISTICS is a Horizon Europe project accelerating the transition to zero-emission, data-driven and highly efficient freight transport. The project develops and pilots innovative logistics solutions that increase efficiency and flexibility in freight transport while reducing CO₂ emissions.

Building on the principles of the Physical Internet, synchromodality and collaborative resource sharing, HOLOGISTICS creates an open and scalable ecosystem for multimodal logistics. The project enables seamless interoperability between vehicles, vessels, logistics nodes and digital platforms, combining digital innovation with physical interoperability to support more sustainable, resilient and competitive logistics networks across Europe.

Objectives

HOLOGISTICS aims to:

• Accelerate the decarbonisation of freight transport
• Improve operational efficiency and supply chain flexibility
• Develop interoperable digital and physical logistics solutions
• Create an open and inclusive logistics ecosystem accessible to SMEs
• Demonstrate scalable multimodal logistics solutions in real operational environments

The project contributes to the development of a new generation of European logistics systems that are more collaborative, efficient and environmentally sustainable.

What the project does

HOLOGISTICS develops open-standard technologies and solutions for multimodal logistics networks, integrating digitalisation, physical interoperability and innovative business models.

The project combines:

• Zero-emission vehicles and vessels
• AI and synchromodal optimisation algorithms
• IoT-enabled interfaces and visibility solutions
• Digital Twins and advanced simulation tools
• Automation and autonomous systems
• Shared standardised containers and interoperable transport units
• Collaborative governance and resource-sharing models
• Multi-agent electric vehicle shared resource optimisation
• Smart flow optimisation for zero-emission vehicles and cargo bikes

Together, these innovations support a new Physical Internet approach for freight transport, enabling logistics actors to cooperate more effectively and use assets and infrastructure more efficiently.

Key areas of innovation

HOLOGISTICS strengthens innovation in several strategic areas:

• Interoperable and modular solutions. Development of interoperable logistics systems and modular transport solutions supporting zero-emission freight transport.
• Collaborative resource sharing. Enabling transparent and collaborative sharing of assets and logistics resources across nodes and supply chains.
• AI-driven optimisation. Improving efficiency through AI-enabled planning, optimisation and synchromodal decision support.
• Real-world validation. Testing and validating solutions through large-scale multimodal pilots across Europe.

By the end of the project, the main innovations are expected to reach TRL 7, with some components potentially advancing to TRL 8.

Pilots and demonstrators

HOLOGISTICS validates its solutions through three large-scale pilots:

Pilot 1: Multimodal Nodes & Interoperability focuses on AI-enabled cross-border freight optimisation based on rail transport and multimodal logistics hubs, improving interoperability and data exchange across freight networks. 

Pilot 2: Zero Emission Vessel & Cargo Bike demonstrates sustainable urban and interurban logistics using IoT-enabled zero-emission vessels, smart containers and interoperable cargo bikes. 

Pilot 3: Shared Resources explores pooled logistics for fresh and temperature-controlled goods through shared EV fleets and IoT-enabled visibility solutions in a complex agri-food logistics ecosystem. 

In addition, HOLOGISTICS will undertake an extended Physical Internet Operational Efficiency Evaluation to study the benefits of scaling up the innovations to wider deployments across Europe. 

These pilots demonstrate how integrated physical and digital solutions can support cleaner, more efficient and more collaborative logistics systems.

Consortium

HOLOGISTICS brings together 25 partners from 14 countries with complementary expertise from across the logistics, transport, research, technology and policy landscape. The consortium includes multimodal logistics companies, shippers, manufacturers, technology providers, universities, research centres, standards experts and innovative SMEs.

The project is coordinated by UNIMORE – University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, with partners including:

• ICOOR
• Politecnico di Milano
• MJC2
• Damen
• Panasonic
• Pošta Slovenije
• CMA CGM
• Luka Koper
• UPS
• Adria Kombi
• Tallink Grupp
• TSI
• FRON
• DNV
• MarloConsult
• CPR System
• Solvesall
• CAAB
• Mubea
• Forum Virium Helsinki
• CargoBeamer
• Webo
• ECSLA
• DHL Global Forwarding (associated partner)

Expected impact

HOLOGISTICS is expected to deliver significant benefits for European freight transport by:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Increasing multimodal efficiency and flexibility
• Enhancing digital and physical interoperability
• Supporting collaborative and transparent logistics governance
• Enabling broader adoption of zero-emission freight solutions
• Improving accessibility of innovation for SMEs
• Strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of European logistics networks

The project supports Europe’s Climate Target Plan 2030 by demonstrating how digitalisation, interoperability and collaboration can transform freight transport systems.

Mission and values

HOLOGISTICS is built around a shared commitment to:

• Technological innovation and physical interoperability
• Environmental sustainability and emissions reduction
• Collaboration among universities, research centres and industry
• Accessibility and inclusion for all logistics stakeholders

infrastructure and connected hinterland transport networks.

The project addresses the growing risks posed by climate change and human-induced disruptions, which can severely impact port operations, logistics flows, and economic activity. By adopting a holistic approach, CLARION strengthens both port infrastructure and its connections to inland waterways and transport corridors.

Through innovative solutions and real-world demonstrations, CLARION supports ports in maintaining operational continuity, improving safety, and reducing environmental impact.

Co-funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement No 101202556 and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).