From the very beginning of European civilization, maritime transport has been a major component of coastal economies. Short sea shipping provides a crucial and dynamic service for domestic tourism and passenger transport for trade with other countries beyond the European Union (EU). To define it, short sea shipping is the movement of cargo and passengers by sea between ports situated in geographical Europe or with ports situated in non-European countries with a coastline on the enclosed seas bordering Europe, including the Mediterranean Sea. Short sea shipping is vital for connecting certain countries and certain regions to the rest of Europe. Approximately 60% of goods unloaded in EU ports (in tons) is brought by short sea services.
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