Short Sea Shipping: an efficient alternative in Regional International Logistics

Short Sea Shipping has become a key logistics strategy for companies seeking to optimise international transport without relying exclusively on road routes or intercontinental maritime services. It is based on the use of regional maritime links, mainly within the same continent or between nearby countries, offering an efficient solution in terms of cost, capacity, and sustainability.

This model is particularly relevant in Europe, where port connectivity enables the movement of goods without the need for long-distance road transport or dependency on air freight. It also helps reduce road congestion, improve operational efficiency, and comply with increasingly strict environmental regulations.

What Is Short Sea Shipping?

Concept

Short Sea Shipping refers to the maritime transport of goods without crossing oceans, typically on short routes between European or Mediterranean ports, or in interconnected maritime areas such as the North Sea. It is mainly used to accelerate regional trade flows, reduce dependence on road transport, optimise the use of port infrastructure, and facilitate integration with rail and land services, promoting more flexible, sustainable, and economically efficient logistics operations.

Differences from traditional maritime transport

Unlike intercontinental sea freight, short sea shipping generally uses smaller vessels, operates with more frequent schedules, and integrates easily into multimodal operations combining maritime transport with road or rail services.

Logistics Advantages of Short Sea Shipping

Cost reduction and greater load capacity

Short Sea Shipping enables companies to optimise cost per tonne, making it particularly competitive compared to long-distance road freight. It also allows the movement of large volumes without requiring multiple heavy vehicles.

Congestion relief and sustainability

By shifting freight from road to sea, Short Sea Shipping helps reduce traffic on saturated logistics corridors, improves operational flow, and lowers CO₂ emissions. It is highly valued within green logistics strategies.

Integration of Short Sea Shipping in International Transport

Multimodal connection

Companies operating through road, sea, and air can incorporate Short Sea Shipping within a multimodal logistics strategy, using the vessel for the main leg of the journey and connecting with trucks or trains for collection and final delivery.

Applications in international logistics

It is commonly used for transport between Spain and France, Italy, North Africa, or Northern European ports. It is also highly effective for partial loads, industrial cargo, or products that do not require urgent air transit.

Limitations and Operational Challenges

Dependence on transit schedules and port availability

Unlike road transport, Short Sea Shipping is subject to port schedules, weather conditions, and vessel stopover times. This may increase lead time if not properly integrated into logistics planning.

Need for advanced coordination

Successful Short Sea Shipping operations depend on effective synchronisation between maritime and land transport, as well as accurate customs and documentation management. Insufficient planning can generate idle time and additional costs during transshipment.

In conclusion

Short Sea Shipping stands out as a highly efficient alternative for regional international operations. It enables cost reduction, increased load capacity and a stronger commitment to sustainability without compromising reliability. In addition, it offers companies greater predictability in their transport planning, allows them to redesign their distribution networks around key port corridors, and supports long-term modal shift strategies away from heavily congested road routes. This makes it especially attractive for shippers managing recurring flows, industrial components, or high-volume freight that does not require urgent air transport.

In a context marked by road congestion, pressure on transit times, and more stringent environmental requirements, short-distance maritime transport is emerging as a strategic solution. When integrated with road or air freight according to demand, it can become a fundamental pillar in enhancing the competitiveness of supply chains in Europe and other regions with strong maritime connectivity. Beyond pure cost savings, it strengthens resilience against disruptions, facilitates compliance with environmental regulations, and improves service reliability through more stable transit windows and diversified routing options, providing a robust foundation for modern, regionally focused logistics strategies.