The role of short sea shipping clearly needs to be developed.

So we must give credit to the short sea shipping industry.

In the past we were guilty of talking short sea shipping down.

It is therefore necessary to increase funding to the short sea shipping industry.

Speed might not be the main feature of short sea shipping, safety is.

Further, the old fashioned image of short sea shipping needs to be changed.

We share the Commission's view that short sea shipping- must be encouraged.

Considerable efforts are currently being made to make short sea shipping a success.

After the war the company went into short sea lining and tankers.

The development of short sea shipping cannot be seen as a strategic regional planning choice.

Short sea shipping can take care of at least part of this.

National short sea promotion offices should play an essential role in implementing this policy.

This demonstrates the importance which we all now attach to short sea shipping.

Short sea shipping should not be mistaken with inland navigation.

What can we do internally for short sea shipping?

I know of no one and no organisation which does not wish to see short sea shipping developed.

Industry was asked to raise practical issues which could, in their view, obstruct the development of short sea shipping.

And this liberalisation proposed by the Commission will no doubt benefit short sea shipping.

However, there are a number of obstacles to the growth of short sea shipping.

Once again, short sea shipping can only take off in Europe if it is considered an integral part of the transport chain.

Indeed, the vessels employed in short sea shipping are particularly small and dilapidated.

Thus began several short sea periods in preparation for their upcoming Mediterranean cruise.

I am convinced that, together, we will continue to make sure that short sea shipping can grow.

Short sea shipping is also eminently suited to specialist transport.

This puts short sea shipping at a disadvantage compared to other modes of transport.