### SSS-CA: Introduction and objectives

ŠNTUA, 1996

The Commission of European Communities, Directorate General for Transport (DGVII) has decided to establish several "concerted actions" in the field of Waterborne Transport. One of the most important of these is the one concerning Shortsea Shipping, as defined by Task 6.1.2/4 of the Waterborne Transport Research document.

The concerted action on shortsea shipping (project "SSS-CA") is expected to play an important role in the Commission's Waterborne Transport Research programme (DGVII - 4th FP). It will do so by setting out the following goals:

-compiling the state of the art in this (broadly defined) area,
-synthesizing all relevant research and other related work,
-defining relevant pilot projects and demonstrators,
-defining criteria for interoperability and SSS logistical efficiency,
-identifying the key focal points for shortsea shipping future development, and
-providing the widest possible exposure and dissemination of the results of the action.

Representation is open to all EU countries and other countries associated with the research programme (according to the association protocol). The representatives of each participating country are expected to contribute input, advice, and other expertise to the action. Such input will typically represent (but will not necessarily be limited to) information coming from the specific country (e.g., relevant research carried at the national level, suggestions for pilot projects, etc.). Whenever necessary, special ad hoc "task forces" will be formed among action participants, which will be assigned to collectively tackle specific issues relevant to the action.

In addition to nominated regular action participants, several "observers" may be invited to action meetings, representing organizations with an interest in shortsea shipping.

Links to other projects
Technical secretariat
State of the art study
Pilot projects
Meetings and workshops

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