Activity-Based CO2 Emission Analysis of Rail Container Transport: Lat Krabang Inland Container Depot–Laemchabang Port Corridor Route

This study addresses the critical environmental challenge of increasing carbon emissions from Thailand’s freight transport sector, focusing on container movement in the strategic Lat Krabang ICD–Laem Chabang Port corridor. The research quantifies and compares CO2 emissions between rail and road container transport modes to identify potential carbon reduction strategies. A comprehensive activity-based methodology was employed, incorporating fuel consumption testing across multiple load conditions, detailed transport activity mapping, and the application of locally relevant emission factors. The results demonstrate that rail transport produces 32.82 kgCO2eq/TEU compared to 53.13 kgCO2eq/TEU for road transport, representing a 38.23% emission advantage. Fuel consumption testing revealed a power relationship between train weight and fuel consumption (y = 0.1121x0.5147, R2 = 0.97), indicating improving efficiency with increased loading. Terminal operations contribute significantly to rail transport’s emission profile, accounting for 36% of total emissions. The current modal split presents substantial opportunities for emission reduction through increased rail utilization. This study identifies and evaluates practical carbon reduction strategies across operational, technological, and policy dimensions, with priority interventions including load factor optimization, terminal efficiency improvements, locomotive modernization, and differential road pricing. This research contributes empirical evidence to support sustainable freight transport development in Thailand while establishing a methodological framework applicable to emission assessments in similar corridors throughout developing economies.