EU calls for Green Freight Proposals

The EU has announced €66.7 million in grant funding for proposals to encourage a greener freight transport industry and ease road congestion. The funding forms part of the EU’s Marco Polo initiative which aims to develop more sustainable modes of transport for European freight traffic.

Short Sea Shipping (SSS) has been deemed a priority area, along with projects based on Inland Waterways and Single Wagonload services. The commission envisages SSS projects which reduce pollution and/or CO2 emissions via the use of low sulphur fuels or the employment of emissions abatement measures, such as vessels using shore side electricity or operating scrubber technologies for cleaning exhaust emissions.

Freight transportation currently accounts for 35% of the world’s transport energy use, and is now growing faster than passenger transportation, making the green agenda for the freight industry more important than ever.

Businesses and entrepreneurs across the EU and worldwide are invited to submit proposals before the 23rd August 2013 closing date. Successful proposals will be offered grant projects of up to five years.

Source: European Commission