EU approves Italian Scheme fo Shortsea Shipping

The European Commission said on Monday it had approved two Italian public support schemes designed to shift freight transport from roads to cut congestion and pollution.

The first measure, with a budget of 255 million euros, aims to shift freight traffic to rail by granting subsidies to rail transport operators. The Commission found the scheme was open to all rail freight companies operating in Italy and that the support was limited.

The second measure, called Marebonus with a budget of 138 million euros, is to encourage a shift to sea transportation. The scheme will grant aid to shippers for starting new services of upgrading existing routes.

Reporting By Philip Blenkinsop