The European Program “Motorways of the Sea” forecasts an efficient system for sea transport, capable of increasing the effectiveness and competitiveness of the sea-road transport mode. The Motorways of the Sea are an alternative/complementary solution to road transport enhancing the shipping of lorries, containers and vehicles. Looking at eco-sustainable development, it helps reducing  road traffic congestion, accidents and pollution.

A clear definition of the objectives and importance of the Motorways of the Sea is stated in Article 12 bis of the Decision No. 884 dated April 29^th 2004 by the European Parliament and Council.

The trans-European network of the Motorways of the Sea aims at concentrating the flows of goods on maritime logistics-based routes, improving the actual waterway connections or creating new ones, that can be profitable, regular and frequent, to transport goods within Member States and reduce traffic congestion and/or facilitate the accessibility to islands and off-center regions and States. The Motorways of the Sea might include people's transportation as long as the transport of goods remains predominant.

As reported in the EU Official Gazette L 167: The development of waterway connections can reduce road traffic congestion, connect islands and marginal areas and become, in many cases, a solid alternative to road transport.

• History of the MoS
• Mos in Europe
• MoS in Italy