Development of a Motorways of the Sea Multicountry Transportation Network

Abstract

The continuous increase in freight transportation demand necessitates the promotion of nonroad mode alternatives. In this context, the motorways of the sea (MoS) initiative is intended to establish more efficient, frequent, and high-quality maritime-based logistics services between countries. Although the benefits of MoS development, which include economic development, territorial cohesion, environmental protection, and relief of road transportation congestion, are apparent, realization requires further investigation. A methodology was devised for the development of a MoS network that would connect several countries. The network would consist of market-attractive intermodal international corridors that would serve the freight demand of a multicountry region. Three main phases were proposed as part of the methodology: ( a) the definition of zones, transportation network, and trade characteristics of a study area that included several countries; ( b) forecasts of freight flows; and ( c) assignment of freight flows network and development of a MoS multicountry transportation network. The methodology was applied in the Adriatic region to develop a MoS network between six countries: Italy, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, Albania, and Montenegro. Interaction between the established MoS international corridors and their potential performance for freight attraction was analyzed. Interested stakeholders can use the proposed methodology to evaluate the establishment of new MoS links within the framework of a wider intermodal multicountry transportation network.