Brussels, 27/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European Marco Polo programme will receive €66.7 million for the call for projects 2013. On 26 March, the Commission launched the procedure for the programme which aims to provide incentive for the logistics sector to replace freight transport by road with alternative means, either rail or inland navigation or maritime navigation. The programme gives priority to action in five areas: modal transfer, motorways of the sea, traffic avoidance, joint apprenticeship in freight and logistics, and the suppression of barriers to the non-road freight market. Some 30 projects may be selected within this call for projects, with preference going to projects that aim to reduce polluting emissions from shipping (via low-sulphur fuel, or liquefied natural gas) or use single wagon load traffic. Projects may be submitted until 20 August. They are to be selected in December so that the contracts negotiated may be signed and sealed during the first half of 2014. A more detailed information session will be held in Brussels on 10 April. (MD/transl.jl)