True costs of hub status

In the United States, short sea shipping – or coastal freighting services for hauling non-bulk cargoes paralleling existing truck networks – is not a new idea: a few container feeder roll on-roll off (ro-ro) services have already carved out small niches.

New Bedford, Massachusetts – investment to achieve hub status

Route 6 bridge repair: $40m

Freight rail tracks: $100m

Harbour dredging: $25m – $50m

State pier bulkhead repairs: $10m

South Terminal development and dredging: $15m

Commercial fishing berthing and offloading improvements: $15m

Last mile improvements (road and staging areas): $10m

North Terminal bulkhead construction: $25m

Crane and equipment: $5m

Shoreside power for cargo and cruise vessels: $5m

Source: comments submitted by New Bedford Harbor Development Corporation

Online resources

Find out more:

Wayne McCormick’s site: http://www.americasmarinehighways.com/

Marine Highways, from MARAD’s website: http://www.marad.dot.gov/ships_shipping_landing_page/mhi_home/mhi_home.htm

Comments submitted on America’s Marine Highways programme: http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#docketDetail?R=MARAD-2008-0096