This Concerted Action (CA) was based on the assumption that there will be even more increased focus on seaborne transport because of its environmental attractiveness and efficiency compared to road transport. The risk of massive oil-spill or the risk of casualties does, however, represent a threat to sustainable development.

New approaches to improve reliability and safety of European maritime activities are therefore required, together with intelligent systems to support onboard decisions, particularly under emergency situations. Emphasis should also be put on telematic and communication tools to integrate ship and shore resources better.

The improvement of casualty prevention will be important to secure the highest possible level of safety at sea in order to minimise risks. With a tool like a dedicated CA, and through trans-national cooperation of directly or indirectly involved parties, the level of knowledge will be raised to set the priorities for technology and methodology developments required to realise the aims of industry. The CA may also give a foothold for the expansion of technology-based industry, specialising in ship instrumentation, telecommunications, design and construction of marine systems, tools related to quality assurance, etc. in the marine and other sectors. Such improved systems and tools may in turn be adopted by the industry to design and construct safer and more cost-effective ships and marine structures in the future.