This section is briefly explaining the main MoS background and the main documents describing the related governance model.
It is not intended to substitute official “institutional” information about MoS that can be found on the INEA web site and on the Motorways of the Sea One Stop Help Desk web site.
The TEN-T revision aims to establish and develop an integrated trans-European transport network which covers the infrastructure for all transport modes, ensures the functioning of the internal market and strengthens economic and social cohesion.
To achieve these objectives, the new TEN-T Guidelines are based on a conceptual planning, consisting of a comprehensive network, constituting the basic layer of the TEN-T, and a core network, identifying the strategically most important parts of the new network with two layers:
The core network is the backbone of the multi-modal mobility network. To ensure its realisation and implementation, the Commission developed the concept of multimodal core network corridors. In terms of scope, the Commission proposed core network corridors, covering the 27 Member States. Each corridor covers at least 3 transport modes, cross at least 3 Member States and include 2 cross border sections. The core network corridors are based on modal integration, interoperability, as well as on a coordinated development and management of infrastructure.
In some aspects core network corridors will be different from the Priority Projects. Core network corridors have been defined on the basis of a common planning methodology and their geographical scope will be larger, with more cross-border sections. Furthermore, core network corridors will be multimodal and will have to cooperate with the existing Rail Freight Corridors.
As regards the governance of core network corridors, corridor platforms will be established for defining the general objectives of the core network corridor and for preparing and supervising the necessary implementation measures. The corridor platforms shall be composed of Member States and other relevant public and private stakeholders, depending on the corridor including infrastructure managers, regional and local authorities, users, citizen’s associations and others.
In order to facilitate the coordinated implementation of the core network corridors European co-ordinators will be designated. Each Coordinator will draw up a corridor development plan. This plan shall include a description of the situation, objectives in terms of performance, capacity and requirements, a programme of measures, a market study, an implementation plan and investment plan. The Coordinator will also chair the corridor platforms, thereby guaranteeing co-ordination, co-operation and transparency.
Motorways of the Sea
Motorways of the Sea are the maritime dimension of the TEN-T network. By improving Maritime and Ports operations, MoS will allow the development of the underlying skeleton of the new multimodal core network corridors.
As stated of the actual TEN-T regulation, “The trans-European network of motorways of the sea is intended to concentrate flows of freight on sea-based logistical routes in such a way as to improve existing maritime links which are viable, regular and frequent, or to establish new such links for the transport of goods between Member States so as to reduce road congestion and/or improve access to peripheral and island regions and States […]and may also include activities which have wider benefits and are not linked to specific ports, such as making available facilities for ice-breaking and dredging operations, as well as information systems, including traffic management and electronic reporting systems”.
Moreover the new TEN-T regulation addsthat “Motorways of the sea represent the maritime dimension of the trans-European transport network. They shall consist of short-sea routes, ports, associated maritime infrastructure and equipment, and facilities enabling short-sea shipping […], including hinterland connections, [..] and includes information and communication technologies (ICT) such as electronic logistics management systems”.
“Projects of common interest for motorways of the sea in the trans-European transport network shall be the maritime component of a core network corridor, constitute the maritime component between two core network corridors or constitute a maritime link and its hinterland connections within the core network between two or more core network ports”
“Projects of common interest for motorways of the sea in the trans-European transport network may also include activities that have wider benefits and are not linked to specific ports, such as […] ICT platforms and information systems, including traffic management and electronic reporting systems” .