MARTEC - Maritime Technologies as an ERA-NET

A collective effort

The competition with South Korea, China and Japan are putting great pressure on Europe’s maritime industry. The maritime industry is dependent on emerging technologies in areas such as shipping, shipbuilding and marine technologies.

At the moment, different countries handle maritime research in different ways. In fact, some may be absorbed into broader areas of research. There are also huge differences in the way research is administered in different European countries. Europe’s approach to research is fragmented, as different countries tend to focus on different research topics.

However, general themes, such as environmental protection, safety and security, the use of IT, and the development of innovative products, are being addressed in almost all national research programmes. Thus, the potential exists for European partners to share a research platform and develop coordinated activities. The European sector must maximise the value of research by creating a sustainable R&D strategy that can bring together Europe’s key players.

MARTEC

MARTEC is a partnership of 19 European ministries and funding organisations responsible for funding RTD in maritime technologies from 15 countries. All together these countries represent more than 90 % of the gross tonnage (GT) of shipbuilding output in Europe which shows that this network already covers the EU key players in that field. The following Europe map shows all participating countries. For more information please, click in the left navigation on the button Partner.

Ambitious plans

MARTEC focuses on funding issues and is planning to create a lasting network of key agencies that will improve the way in which maritime technologies research is managed and developed. This network will produce a strategy for future research funding, and will encourage the development of transnational programmes of activity able to reflect the needs of the maritime industry.

MARTEC is an ERA-NET Coordination Action and as such has developed a full-blown set of activities that will have a lasting impact on the maritime industry’s research funding processes and future direction.

The project will:

Analyse national programme objectives and priorities
Map management procedures
Identify gaps in existing programmes
Define topics for future research activities and calls
Suggest ways of removing administrative barriers that could hinder the development of transnational research activities
Develop strategies and an action plan for the mutual opening-up of national programmes which will lead to the development of jointly funded research activities between different European countries
Improve researcher mobility

Potential impact

MARTEC’s wide range of actions are designed to produce better information and support for Europe’s maritime industry and its research community. In addition to improving the quality of research funding procedures, the steps taken to share knowledge and skills should improve R&D capabilities. By reducing the obstacles that get in the way of funding joint, multinational activities, MARTEC will create a better environment for maritime researchers to work in.

Project details
Full title:	Maritime Technologies
Research field:	Shipbuilding, Ship and port operation, Maritime equipment and services, Inland water and intermodal transport, Offshore industry/technology, Offshore structures for renewable energy, Fishing/aquaculture, Polar technology, Environmental impact, Safety and security, Human elements
Co-ordinator:	Project Management Juelich, Germany
Duration:	3 years (01.06.2006 – 31.12.2010)
EC funding:	2 Mio. €
Project reference:	CA 026101