The Trans-European Seaport network is one of a number of the Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T) of the European Union. According to Article 12 of the Decision No 1692/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 1996 on Community guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, the Trans-European Seaport network should permit the development of sea transport, and should constitute shipping links for islands and the points of interconnection between sea transport and other modes of transport. They should also provide equipment and services to transport operators. Their infrastructure should provide a range of services for passenger and freight transport, including ferry services and short- and long-distance shipping services, which also includ