Serving central and Eastern Europe via the Mediterranean has long been the dream of many northern Mediterranean ports.rnThe rationale is simple - ships arriving from the Far East can discharge cargo there at least a week earlier than via northern Europe, and inland haulage in many cases should also be faster.rnThe carbon footprint of the traffic should, therefore, be much better. This is an advantage that looks set to grow in importance as international shipping is likely to be included in the world's next carbon emission trading scheme that takes effect after 2012. The subject is next due to be debated in Copenhagen at the United Nation's Framework Conventionrnon Climate Change conference in December.rnThe reality, however, is that northern European ports still rule the roost, so the Mediterranean dream has been uncomfortable for most.
展开▼
