Audible response

Commission work plan for Motorways of the Sea

National input to the draft Work Plan for Motorways of the Sea The Commission has asked Member States to comment on the Work Plan for Motorways of the Sea, prepared by coordinator Brian Simpson (with the help of Jose Anselmo in DG MOVE). The Commission's draft Work Plan for Motorways of the Sea can be read here The final plan should be ready in early 2016, which means that it can be better integrated into the TEN-T pool, which is expected around September 2016. First and foremost, it must be emphasized that MoS does not have the same narrow focus on TEN-T corridors, which is otherwise characterized by the CEF, which opens up for a wider access for Danish TEN-T ports. Danish Ports has the following comments on the draft: 2 - overall objectives The primary focus of MoS should be security of supply to all parts of the community. Thus a first bullet: 1. Security of supply In addition, there is a lack of a balanced focus on environment versus economy, as defined by former Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas: "In relation to EU transport policy, a green port is a port that succeeds in balancing environmental challenges with economic demand." This means that under "overall objectives" a fourth bullet is missing: 4. Trade facilitation, potential of the external and internal trade by maritime transport. The reason for this is that focus on the environment, maritime safety and logistics chains alone will not create increased demand for maritime transport. Investments should be based on facts and a strategy that ensures a return on investment. With trade as the fourth focus, it will open up for possible subsidies for e.g:

1. Market analysis (i.e. cargo types suitable for feeder / short sea shipping concerning volume, destination and distribution)
2. Defining development and logistic strategies
3. Defining export strategies (i.e. applicable for countries and regions)

Environment With an increased focus on port reception facilities - for example with reference to The European Sustainable Shipping Forum (ESSF) with a sub-working group on port reception facilities - there could be an increased focus on this in the work plan. In other words, waste management, including marine waste (fished at sea), waste from flue gas cleaning, wastewater from cruises, etc. But there could also be a broader focus on, for example, sustainable scrapping and dismantling of ships, platforms, rigs, wind turbines, etc. with a focus on recycling. Another EU focus is on the circular economy, which could also be considered in the logistics chain, including analyzes similar to the Danish Business Authority's green industrial symbiosis, which is an analysis of the potential for companies to share waste streams, energy and heat supply. Read more here: http: //groenomstilling.erhvervsstyrelsen.dk/gronindustrisymbiose/0/56 A more operational approach to the circular economy is much needed - not least in light of the fact that the European Commission last week withdrew their Circular Economy Package (waste, packaging, end-of-life vehicles, batteries and transformers and electronic waste). 3 - Corridors 2 - Increase of Competitiveness The challenge for cargo handling in ports and railways is similar. Heavy lifting and a lack of implementation of efficient transportation chains means that freight is transported by truck. Therefore, projects that can improve the capacity of ports for efficient freight handling are of primary interest. For more information, please contact Business Policy Consultant Bjarne Løf Henriksen blh-snabela-danskehavne.dk or 3370 3441