THE European Commission is taking applications for its 2010 Marco Polo scheme that will fund up to 50 per cent of short sea and rail projects that cut down on road haulage.

Fundable projects fall under five categories, reports the British International Freight Association (BIFA) newsletter.

Projects that enhance knowledge in the logistics sector or serve as catalysts for change are also acceptable, as are developments for door-to-door systems to replace road deliveries and systems that integrate transport with production logistics.

Some EUR64 million (US$86 million) has been allocated and is open to smaller firms. As funding is only designed to help companies through the high-risk start-up phase and, assistance will only be provided for projects demonstrating long-term sustainability.

Source: shipping online