The paper addresses the Short Sea Shipping model, with a particular focus on the concept of Motorways of the Sea and the criteria for its success. The aim of the paper is to define and understand the key aspects of maritime transport and to analyze European criteria for evaluating the success of Motorways of the Sea. Through the analysis of different modes of transport – road, rail, and maritime – the paper highlights the importance of transitioning towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation models, where Short Sea Shipping plays a crucial role. The paper also examines European Union policies and strategies such as the Common Transport Policy and the Trans-European Network, which define guidelines for the development of transport infrastructure. The advantages, disadvantages, and characteristics of Short Sea Shipping (SSS) are presented in detail, as well as the challenges and obstacles faced by this mode of transport. The paper includes a case study of the Civitavecchia-Barcelona route, through which the success of this transport concept is practically evaluated in real-world conditions.