European Research Association (ERA) ‘Vessels for the Future’ has been launched by the European maritime industry in order to address various policy developments in the sector.
The project will address European policies for transport, enterprise, energy, environment and climate protection within the framework of the European Commission’s research and innovation initiative Horizon 2020, according to the Maritime Union.
Vessels for the Future will also be looking to progress towards sustainable transport and maintain cutting-edge design, manufacturing and innovative production capacities.
European States will be using their maritime and inland waterways space for transport, offshore food production, energy generation and mineral exploitation, as well as for urban dwelling, tourism, manufacturing, and trade up until 2050.
This move will have positive impacts on employment and the European economy.
Dr Pierre C Sames, chairman of the ERA said: “Vessels for the Future has set itself the goal to enter into a contractual Public Private Partnership with the European Commission.
“The initiative will promote and facilitate maritime research, development and innovation with a focus on vessels and waterborne operations. With the establishment of Vessels for the Future as a research association we are demonstrating that our goal is receiving widespread support from the wider maritime community.”
