Overview
MARPOS was an FP7 coordination and support action that aimed at assisting the European Commission in the implementation of the EU Maritime Transport Policy objectives by utilising the results of past research work in the field of Maritime Transport and related expertise from the Transport sector.
The MARPOS project addressed the issue by consolidating and synthesising the results of Maritime Transport research in FP5 and FP6 and the most recent FP7 in order to come up with a set of conclusions applying to a set of five Maritime Research Themes, which are:
- competitiveness;
- environmental challenges;
- energy challenges;
- safety and security challenges;
- human challenges.
The project also looked in detail in the reverse direction focusing on the future needs and priorities for EU research in the Maritime Transport sector so as to better serve the realisation of the general Maritime Transport Policy objectives.
Key outputs of MARPOS comprise:
- a publication containing the results of the research work;
- an easy-to-use searchable internet database (e-tool) through which all interested parties will have the opportunity to be informed on the results of the European research over the past decade. This e-tool will be update-able providing links to the past and current/future research work in European maritime transport area;
- dissemination and networking actions, including a workshop, a major conference and other internet based dissemination activities.
Funding
Results
The Maritime Transport Research Database ('MTRD') was developed by the Hellenic Institute of Transport, with funding from the European Commission through the MARPOS project.
The Maritime Transport Research Database summarises data on the maritime transport research projects since the 5th Framework Programme. The database is a powerful tool for maritime transport professionals seeking information on EU funded research projects, their outcomes and the outcomes implementation. And also for maritime transport researchers to publicise their work and increase visibility of their research products.
Key information in the database concern: projects' scope and objectives, consortium members and budget size, project duration, results and outputs, and the implementation of the research outcomes during the project period and beyond. The projects included in the database are classified into thematic areas, namely:
- Competitiveness: ability to ensure sustainable, efficient and affordable maritime transport services;
- Environment: contributing to a reduction of negative impacts to the environment (water, air and ground pollution and noise) as these relate to both vessel and port operations;
- Energy: optimising the use of energy in maritime transport i.e. related to ship and port operations;
- Human factors: qualification, training of seafarers and dock workers and issues concerning related working conditions and safety on ships and in ports;
- Safety & security: new developed technologies and intelligent systems related to safety and security of people and infrastructure and protection against unauthorized and unexpected actions of any kind.
See www.maritimetransportresearch.com for further information.
Other results
An important part of MARPOS was devoted to dissemination and networking actions.
Strategy targets
Innovating for the future (technology and behaviour): A European Transport Research and Innovation Policy