Diverse tonnage development to suit intra-regional trade

摘要

The move by the European transport market towards integrated logistical systems has had an increasing influence on shortsea operations, fleet composition and vessel design. David Tinsley looks at the new developments.rnCommitted shipowners and enlightened industry charterers have continued to invest in economic new ships and new solutions to meet the demands of the considerable, but highly fragmented market covering the shortsea and coastwise transportation of goods. Although there has been much political discussion for some years as to the merits of stimulating the waterborne mode, on both environmental and economic grounds, such initiatives that have emerged have mainly influenced ro-ro ferry service developments rather than the cargo carrying market at large.