ABSTRACT

Satellite technology offers many benefits to Europe’s maritime regions and marine environment and to the wider global marine environment. Satellites enable the EU and the European Maritime Safety Agency to monitor large numbers of ships sailing in EU waters and to enhance security by enabling Member States to evaluate the risks posed by individual ships and to take action to reduce that risk. Satellites can also enhance vessel safety, improve the efficiency of maritime traffic and support search and rescue activities. Radar satellite images can detect potential oil spills in EU waters, assist in tracking ships to ensure they do not intentionally pollute the marine environment and help Member States respond to maritime accidents and pollution incidents. In collaboration with regional agreements, satellite surveillance can help identify illegal pollution taking place under the cover of darkness. The EU Global Monitoring for Environment and Security Initiative offers a significant tool for monitoring climate change, atmospheric and marine pollution and for sea-ice mapping and maritime surveillance. This paper concludes that satellite technology plays a crucial and ongoing role in improving the security, safety and environmental protection of the EU’s maritime regions and in supporting the work of the European Maritime Safety Agency.