Marine transportation is estimated to account for one third of global oil pollution. Furthermore a global predicted increase in offshore exploration, production and transportation of oil within sensitive marine areas has increased the risk of pollution. Oil spills from vessels in particular are a serious threat to the marine environment.

Risks of pollution can be offset by increased surveillance and more efficient clean-up operations. Additionally, spills in 'special areas' defined by international conventions are theoretically given special protection through targeted legislation. However, this is hard to enforce because of a lack of appropriate technology; existing methods, such as air surveillance, are prohibitively expensive.

A system of sensors was developed in a former LIFE project - OSIS (Oil Spill Identification System). This system involves permanently mounted sensors communicating with the shore via a satellite link. The system works well with offshore structures such as oil platforms but cannot be directly applied on moving ships.