Determine the current pattern of routes, passenger volumes and trade flows, including the volume and size of vessels on the route network;

Analyse the efficiency of the current network, including port infrastructure, and whether a rationalisation of movements between islands (such as setting up a regional hub) may be more appropriate to achieve the goals;

Assess whether the overall freight market could be extended to absorb excess supplies in agricultural products using the current fleet and port infrastructure and superstructure;

Examine the current legal and institutional frameworks pertaining to passenger and goods transportation and determine to what extent a harmonised regional transport policy would contribute to the overriding goals;

Assess to what extent there is a “level playing field” regarding the funding of regional maritime and aviation services;

Analyse the revenues and costs of transportation in the area and hence the return on capital of ferries, freight ships and port infrastructure;

Develop an estimate of the pattern and extent of subsidies to infrastructure owners and transport operators and how these influence current trade patterns and flows;

Analyse consumer behaviour of both freight users and passengers to understand how they choose transport services in both the formal and informal sectors; and

Examine management information systems in force by ports, shippers and passenger operators and whether there are issues of incompatibility between OECS member states which act as an obstacle towards more efficient and cost-effective trading patterns.