AS the Covid-19 pandemic encourages businesses to innovate, one idea being promoted is short-sea shipping, which could
contribute to solving the prevailing issues of European road transport. Short sea shipping is not a matter of dismantling road freight, it is about finding alternative ways of moving freight to improve the logistics flow for shippers.
Changing significant freight volumes from road to short sea would have a positive impact on road congestion, road safety, and noise levels.
Fewer heavy freight vehicles on the roads would contribute to smoother traffic flows, and greater potential for trucks to stay on schedule and meet delivery times. Less wear and tear from heavy vehicles would reduce the amount of upkeep needed on roads.