EC to adopt Trans-European transport network proposals
Europe’s inland port infrastructure looks set to benefit from the European Commission’s (EC) decision to adopt Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) proposals.
The purpose of the TEN-T framework is to support transport solutions that promote growth in industry in Europe, generate environmental benefits and facilitate the flow of freight.
Under the terms of the proposal, inland ports with an annual freight transshipment of more than 500,000 tonnes will become part of the TEN-T network.
A total of 80 inland ports have been chosen for the core network and inland waterways and rail transport will receive an equal level of co-financing – up to 40%. Inland transport connections to ports and the development of ports and multimodal platforms will be eligible for confinancing up to 20%.
Isabelle Ryckbost, Director of the European Federation of Inland Ports, said: “The European Commission seems to recognise the role inland ports can play in connecting the different transport modes. The inland ports finally receive the place they deserve in the core and comprehensive TEN-T network. EFIP therefore very much welcomes these new TEN-T maps.
”We have to make sure however that being a ‘TEN-T inland port’ or a ‘core TEN-T inland port’ is not just a nice title or award. We have to examine to what extent inland ports are really involved and integrated in the governance and implementation of the multimodal corridors, since these are the main instruments to implement the TEN-T policy.”
Recently, TEN-T also co-financed a project aimed at developing the competitiveness of short sea shipping, while “being of benefit to nature and the environment.”
The TEN-T is a European initiative aimed at improving connections between national networks and providing smoother goods transport flows.
It integrates environmental protection requirements with a view to promoting sustainable development.
The purpose of the TEN-T framework is to support transport solutions that promote growth in industry in Europe, generate environmental benefits and facilitate the flow of freight.
Under the terms of the proposal, inland ports with an annual freight transshipment of more than 500,000 tonnes will become part of the TEN-T network.
A total of 80 inland ports have been chosen for the core network and inland waterways and rail transport will receive an equal level of co-financing – up to 40%. Inland transport connections to ports and the development of ports and multimodal platforms will be eligible for confinancing up to 20%.
Isabelle Ryckbost, Director of the European Federation of Inland Ports, said: “The European Commission seems to recognise the role inland ports can play in connecting the different transport modes. The inland ports finally receive the place they deserve in the core and comprehensive TEN-T network. EFIP therefore very much welcomes these new TEN-T maps.
”We have to make sure however that being a ‘TEN-T inland port’ or a ‘core TEN-T inland port’ is not just a nice title or award. We have to examine to what extent inland ports are really involved and integrated in the governance and implementation of the multimodal corridors, since these are the main instruments to implement the TEN-T policy.”
Recently, TEN-T also co-financed a project aimed at developing the competitiveness of short sea shipping, while “being of benefit to nature and the environment.”
The TEN-T is a European initiative aimed at improving connections between national networks and providing smoother goods transport flows.
It integrates environmental protection requirements with a view to promoting sustainable development.