Firstly, MoS are designed to move long-distance transport off the roads and onto the sea in an effort to fight growing congestion and greenhouse gas emissions in Europe.
Concerning the financing, if Community funding is not sufficient to fully support the projects, Member States may fill the funding gap. The European Union is providing financial support for the start-up of MoS projects and for investment in the infrastructure needed through the TEN-T programme and the Marco Polo programme. European funding is available for the development of port and hinterland infrastructure, for the start-up of new shipping services as well as for investment in dedicated ships and equipment.











