MARITIME VS. LAND TRANSPORT BETWEEN MID-AMERICA AND MEXICO

This article explores the potential for short-sea shipping on the trade route between Mid-America and Mexico, where it competes with both deep-sea shipping and land transportation. Five maritime systems are defined and assessed here: (a) river barges navigating along the East Coast of Mexico; (b) river barges transshipped to/from deep-sea bulkers; (c) small river barges lifted on/off mother vessels; (d) river barges floated on/off mother vessels (Fo/Fo); and (e) river/ocean vessels (R/O). The last system is novel in the U.S., but common in Europe. The analysis indicates, that for bulk cargo the transshipment system has a clear advantage over all other maritime systems, as well as rail. For general cargo, R/O is proven advantageous, but only for cargos generated close to the water.