what are short-sea and coastal shipping?

Short-sea and coastal shipping are defined as the movement of cargoes and passengers by sea between ports situated in geographical Europe or between those ports and ports situated in non-European countries having a coastline in the enclosed seas bordering Europe.

This definition includes domestic and international maritime transport (including feeder services along the coast and to and from islands, rivers and lakes). The concept also extends to maritime transport between European member states and Norway, Iceland and other states on the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.

Vessels using short-sea routes have full seagoing capability though they are also able to utilise inland waterway networks to avoid transhipment at coastal ports. They generally serve niche markets but can carry a variety of dry and wet bulk cargoes, as well as containers and abnormal indivisible loads (AIL).

Short-sea and coastal shipping are based on the concept of carrying freight door-to-door, or factory to factory, much like in road transport. This is accomplished through the use of fast, modern ships and intermodal transport in collection and delivery. Short-sea shipping transit time is generally only slightly longer than road transport. Moreover, the costs can be considerably lower. In some instances, there can be a cost-saving of up to 25 percent. 

Short-sea and coastal shipping advantages include:

• a cost-saving when compared to road transport 
• reliable transit times
• environmental benefits 
• flexibility (with the option to use 300 European inland and coastal ports)

Download a map of the European short-sea network