european shortsea network

At the European level, Sea and Water functions as a short-sea promotion centre and as the UK branch of the European Shortsea Network (ESN).

In 1997, the first national short-sea 'information bureau' was created in the Netherlands. By 2000, through the collaboration of various new short-sea promotion centres (SPCs) in Europe, the European Shortsea Network was established. Today, the network comprises of twenty SPCs and operates as a 'virtual' networking platform that jointly promotes short-sea shipping in Europe. It also acts as a catalyst for binational and multinational co-operation that seeks to establish new or improve existing short-sea routes.

Since the ESN's establishment, its membership has steadily increased. Today, there are 20 SPCs within both Europe and its neighbouring regions. This enlargement has allowed the network to create new co-operative initiatives, both bilateral and multilateral. 

For the ESN's 2007 Annual Report, click here.

For more information, go to the ESN's website at www.shortsea.info