Short Sea Shipping: Evidence from Campania, Southern Italy

Background: The urban transport systems of coastal cities are conditioned by the limitations placed by their coastal position on the expansion of radial networks. However, while the water around them compresses terrestrial routes, it simultaneously creates space for alternative transport systems to support urban and metropolitan mobility. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of establishing new navigation lines to support certain coastal locations in the gulfs of Naples and Salerno in Campania (Italy) which, due to their nature, are particularly suitable for the movement of the huge tourist flows that affect the area under analysis. Methods: This study expands upon specific previous and ongoing experiences, clarifying their strengths and weaknesses, identifying the basic characteristics of hypothesized fast maritime lines, and drawing conclusions about their technical and economic feasibility. Results: Based on the level of detail available to the present study, the hypothesized service does not seem to offer complete economic-financial sustainability. The primary shortcoming lies in the resources needed to adapt technical structures and to support businesses during the initial phase of the project. Conclusions: The feasibility of new transport services depends on the extent to which existing traffic can be subtracted the modes of transport already in operation. In the absence of public subsidies, the speed, frequency, regularity and safety of such transport are crucial.