Short Sea Shipping between Mediterranean countries is considered to be a valid solution in achieving the goals of EU maritime policy.So far, this type of transport has primarily been undertaken through RO-RO maritime traffic, which consists of loading trucks onto vessels.To carry out these operations, ad hoc port terminals have been used.

Thanks to the container, we believe that with the appropriate type of vessel used by these terminals, and through the use of the LO loading and unloading system (lift on-lift off, a technique that involves moving goods to and from the vessel which uses cranes to move containers), appropriate and high-performance procedures to improve SSS could be developed, in keeping with European policy on Sea Highways.

TERCONMED aims to promote SSS through the adaptation of container terminals to the LO-LO system and the simplification of customs requirements.TERCONMED is a project which is co-funded by the European Union MED Programme.

The MED Programme

The MED programme is a trans-national European cooperation programme funded by the European Union under its regional policy framework and part of the new programme period 2007 – 2013.

In view of the stronger economies of other European regions, the aim of EU Regional Policy for Mediterranean countries is to reinforce the exceptional value that the Mediterranean Sea holds for the international opening of European Markets and to assess the potential that has previously been underexploited in this area.