Conditions for increased short sea shipping on inland waterways in lakes, archipelagos and coastal areas

Important results from the project

The aim of the study has been to investigate what increased potential there is in an expanded shipping system along the coasts as well as the possibilities for forming business models around this. Domestic and foreign goods were included in the study. The study has identified the prerequisites to link the ports of the region, analyze how and to what extent the infrastructure could thereby be relieved and investigate any additional requirements that should be applied to further developed vessels. The results of the study have been compiled in a report in the TFKs report series (TFK 2018:1).

Expected long term effects

The current regulations and fees make it difficult to get profitability in inland waterway shipping. However, there is a potential to create cost-effective transport systems if the vessels are optimized for the types of transport they are used for. A pilot study of inland waterway shipping is believed to increase the possibility of creating cost-effective transports that includes inland waterways. By expanding the inland waters to include coastal areas as far as wave altitudes are concerned, a larger area and more players can be reached which increases the potential amount of goods.

Approach and implementation

The study has had an exploratory approach and is based on the results of a previous study. Information has been collected through literature studies and interviews as well as at a workshop. Based on these approaches and information gathering, analyses have been carried out and the conclusions drawn about the conditions for increased shipping and increased freight transport by inland waterways in lakes, moraines, and coastal areas. Furthermore, formulated together with the reference group approaches and problems focused on the Mälardalen Counties and container cargo and bulk goods.