Shifting freight from road to sea

Facing increasing demand for cargo shipping, the Rostock-Hanko maritime route running between Finland and Germany opted to upgrade.

Transport and Mobility

Climate Change and Environment

Energy

© Port of Hanko

To increase capacity, the two ports invested in both their water- and land-based infrastructure. In Germany, the Port of Rostock adapted two roll-on/roll-off berths to accommodate longer vessels. It also created additional terminal space for handling and storing freight, and improved the port’s IT services. In Finland, the Port of Hanko gave its terminal area a complete makeover, enlarged its pier and improved its cargo handling services. Having improved efficiency, productivity, safety and environmental performance, this important maritime route will reinforce a modal shift from road to waterborne transport, reducing energy use and pollution.

Keywords

Motorway of the Seas Rostock–Hanko, waterborne transport, CINEA, sustainability, EU-funded, research, shipping, freight, inland waterway, port, alternative fuel, wind, methanol