Influence of Cargo flows on Sustainable Development of East Mediterranean “Motorways of the sea”

Abstract

An integrated approach to redirecting traffic from roads to more efficient and environmentally friendly forms of transport implies the definition of strategic guidelines for combining comparative advantages of intermodal transport and development of land, port, railroad and other traffic infrastructure. This concept of development of east-Mediterranean “motorways of the sea” enables the development of shipping and intermodality in the entire region. The European transport policy, in the context of affirmation of a sustainable and efficient traffic and particularly important potential of “motorways of the sea” in environment protection, enables the achievement of a sustainable economic development of the countries in the region. The aim of the paper is to study the influence of cargo flows on the sustainable development of the “motorways of the sea” in the east Mediterranean and the applicability of the general framework of MoS policy. The paper emphasises the advantages and significance of coastal traffic connections and the “motorways of the sea” and identifies the limitations. It analyses the corridors in the Mediterranean countries relevant for the tra c development of the region. Among other things, the aim of the paper is to provide support to decision makers in establishing a successful MoS network.