Short Sea Shipping involves the transport of goods and passengers using watercraft over a limited distance and without crossing the ocean. A direct competitor to land transport, it uses ports and inland waterways to complement traditional transport systems to increase capacity, increase flexibility and achieve sustainable transport mobility. The short haul category does not have an official and universally recognized definition. However, several attempts have been made to establish its boundaries and come up with a definition that accurately reflects the content. The definition given by the European Commission: "The movement of goods and passengers by sea between ports located geographically in Europe, or between ports located in non-European countries with coasts on closed seas and bordering Europe" is widely used today. A deep understanding of the serious socio-economic and environmental impacts of road transport operations compels policymakers at different institutional levels (e.g. local, national and regional) to act accordingly and introduce a range of targeted policy frameworks, strategies and interventions to support the broader development and exploitation of others. modes of transport (i.e. rail, inland waterways), thus helping to unload road networks, thus realizing significant improvements in terms of air quality, road safety, and so on. Taking into account the geographic characteristics of the main trading regions of the world, as well as the priorities set by the relevant government authorities, and funds (both public and private) allocated for infrastructure projects, railways, short-distance shipping and inland waterways were considered with a view to establishing additional opportunities to ensure dynamic growth. So, sea transportation over short distances competes with land transport. First of all, they have a geographic advantage, the sea offers more route options and more flexibility for ships. Another benefit concerns economies of scale. Environmental sustainability is the main benefit of short sea shipping. It also has a lower carbon footprint per tonnekilometer than trucks. In addition, maritime transport offers various social benefits. Unloading of road networks is carried out by transferring traffic from land to sea. Ensuring the further development of ports provides for a more detailed study of such a segment as short-distance sea transportation.
Rationale for the Role and Importance of Short-Haul Shipping for Port Development