The maritime sector is integral to the global economy, facilitating international trade, transportation, energy production, and food supply. With approximately 95% of global trade volume transported via maritime routes, the industry’s significance cannot be overstated. However, it faces numerous challenges, including environmental concerns, safety incidents, and geopolitical issues. To address these challenges, the sector is increasingly turning to Earth Observation (EO) technologies for solutions.
EO data aids maritime operations by providing insights into weather, sea conditions, and environmental changes. Satellites track vessel movements, detect illegal activities such as fishing and pollution, and assess marine ecosystem health. EO also enhances maritime security by monitoring shipping routes, and detecting suspicious activities like piracy, people crossings and smuggling.
Several initiatives in Europe are leveraging on EO and ESA is involved in projects aimed at supporting the maritime sector with space technologies.
Read the Earth Observation for the Maritime sector reportOther Maritime related activities
ESA has recently launched a thematic call on Maritime managed by the InCubed programme and focussing on developing innovative and commercially viable products and services using space borne earth observation in the maritime domain. ESA will also be organising a workshop on blue economy (Space for Blue) on 13 February 2024 exploring the possibilities that lie at the intersection of the space and maritime sectors.
Finally, back in November the second edition of the ESA Commercialisation Days was dedicated to the topic of Transportation. The third session of the event was focussed on maritime consisting of a market overview, ESA perspective, roundtable and elevator pitches.
