Europe is expected to give a closer look to the development of waterborne passenger transport following a report by a British Member of the European Parliament (MEP).
Keith Taylor, Green MEP for South East England, explored the potential of the ferry and cruise industry across Europe.
The European Parliament has adopted Taylor’s report and has taken the view that seaborne transport must be put higher on the agenda of the European Union (EU).
Talyor said: “Inland and maritime ferries, as well as cruises and barges, play a crucial role in achieving a more sustainable and efficient European transport sector.
“Many commuters in Europe travel by road, creating bottlenecks, congestion, and delays.
“With its many rivers, waterways, estuaries, long coastlines and islands, Europe’s geography offers extraordinary opportunities for waterborne transport.”
EU members will be encouraged to give consideration to its ferry policies and improve associated infrastructure.
A European inland navigation agency has already been proposed with the scope of creating a “single area for waterborne passenger transport”.
Taylor added that more ferry services could not only help improve air quality across the continent but also reduce congestion and CO2 emissions.
