PROPS is a FP7 funded project which aims at developing sea-based (SSS) intermodal transport via the use of business networking, including a role for the promotion function and agencies. PROPS will provide support to the Short Sea Promotion Centres (SPCs) and develop a workable and replicable methodology that will facilitate their practical activities. As a starting point for PROPS, WP1 will analyse the key requirements (EU Goals and Policies, and Stakeholders requirements) for the promotion of SSS and Intermodality and conduct initial work on networking approach for defining the role of promotion in a business network. The work of WP1 will provide a baseline for the subsequent work in PROPS. In addition, WP1 will provide policy recommendations. The key requirements are identified through tasks T1.1 and T1.2. T1.1 presents an assessment of EU policies and goals regarding promotion of SSS, through a review of previous and current work, with regards to four main issues to be covered for effective promotion of SSS and Intermodality: (A) the determination of mode preference, (B) the importance of environmental and social consideration in transport choice, (C) the perceived barriers to the use of water-freight transport, and (D) the strengths and growth potential for water-freight transport. T1.2 consists in an in-depth survey of stakeholders’ requirements for the promotion of Short Sea Shipping and Intermodality.

 T1.1 aims at assessing EU goals and policies referring to SSS promotional issues, being:

 (A) the determination of mode preference,

 (B) the importance of environmental and social consideration in transport choice,

 (C) the perceived barriers to the use of water-freight transport, and

 (D) the strengths and growth potential for water-freight transport.

 To do so, the task will conduct a review of relevant research projects reports, surveys, EU policy papers etc. related to these four above mentioned issues, and summarise their main conclusions regarding EU goals and policies for the promotion of SSS. This analytical review will also provide recommendations for further work in PROPS, in the form of key requirements and parameters to consider when developing strategic support for SSS services and intermodality (WP2), tactical support to SSS (WP3), SPC supports for the promotion of SSS and intermodality (WP4) and the European campaign (WP6).