The commission aims to address the “widening gap” in port efficiency across the EU, which, by 2030, could cost up to EUR10bn ($12.8bn). Today, discrepancies in cargo handling result in traffic detours, longer sea and land trips and greater emissions, as well as congestion.
While 74% of goods enter or leave Europe by sea, a fifth of this traffic goes through Rotterdam, Hamburg and Antwerp ports, creating congestion which threatens to cripple economic growth. The Port of Rotterdam, the EU’s #1 box port by volume, handled more than four times as much as the Port of Marseille, #4 on the list. The problem is only expected to become worse as cargo volumes increase by 50% by 2030.
Measures will involve improving infrastructure connections such as rail and inland waterways; dredging port access channels for larger ships; investments in automation software such as ‘e-maritime’ and ‘e-freight’ systems, as well as giving further financial autonomy to port authorities.
“We are facing major challenges in terms of congestion, traffic growth and investment,” said European transport commissioner Siim Kallas. “The proposals today will bring Europe's port services into the 21st century, help attract investment and create jobs where they are most needed."
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited. Add Seatrade Maritime News to your Google News feed.
