Freight cargo crossing the Pyrenees. A chance for short sea shipping

Abstract

Around 45% of European Union foreign trade, is still carried by road and is consequently, conditioned by congested traffic, safety risk or high power consumption among other disadvantages, while only 40% is carried by sea by means of the short sea shippong formula. Short Sea Shipping in European waters has been considered by the national and European govermments, as one the most feasible way to discharge the every day more congested roads and higways across Europe. This paper reflects the poses criteria providing recommendations for the best alternative transport mean to truck for the cargo crossing the Pyrenees.