Freight crossing the Pyrenées. Potential for short sea shipping

Abstract

On the one hand, around 45% of European Union foreign trade is still carried by road and is consequently conditioned by traffic congestion or high fuel consumption, implying disadvantages related to pollution and safety, while on the other hand, 40% is carried by short sea shipping. Short Sea Shipping in European waters has been considered by national and European governments as one of the most feasible ways to alleviate the congestion that gets worse every day on the roads and highways across Europe. This paper poses criteria providing recommendations for the best alternative means of transport for carrying cargo across the Pyrenees.