SafeSeaNet (European Maritime Information System)

FACT SHEET NO.: Cat-No.4 / Subcat-No.4.6

4. Internal market

4.6 Transport security: cargo

SafeSeaNet (European Maritime Information System)

To overcome information exchange problems in maritime transport, and to fulfil the obligation given in Directive 2002/59/EC (to establish a Community vessel traffic monitoring and information system), a pan-European system named SafeSeaNet (SSN) has been developed. SAFESEANET is concerned with the exchange of information between member states in relation to vessel arrivals and departures, hazardous material transportation, alerts, waste, security and ship data for monitoring purposes.

The Blue Belt project was launched in 2010 as a pilot project to reduce the administrative burdens of the short-sea shipping industry; within the defined “blue belt” ships could operate freely, with only a minimum of the administrative burden supported by the most recent technology available for the monitoring of sea traffic. [7]
National implementation examples can be found in the Netherlands [8] and Norway [9]

1) Enhancing the safety and efficiency of maritime traffic,
2) improving the response of authorities to incidents, accidents or potentially dangerous situations at sea (including search and rescue operations) and
3) contributing to improved prevention and detection of pollution by ships.

Maritime transport becomes safer. Therefore, this type of transport might be more attractive on long distances, compared to land modes

No change in origin and destination expected

Maritime transport becomes safer. Therefore, the trip frequency may increase, especially regarding short-sea shipping

Choice of route might be affected due to a mode shift

Extra trips by sea may take more time concerning travel and handling

Occupancy rate is not affected

Energy efficiency is not affected

[1] Leaflet SafeSeaNet (2009): http://ec.europa.eu/idabc/en/document/2282/5926.html
[2] http://emsa.europa.eu/operations/safeseanet.html
[3] Directive 2002/59/EC (Consolidated Version - 16/03/2011) OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL
of 27 June 2002 establishing a Community vessel traffic monitoring and information system and repealing Council Directive 93/75/EEC
[4] Directive 2011/15/EC of 23 February 2011 amending Directive 2002/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community vessel traffic monitoring and information system
[5] Directive 2009/17/EC of 23 April 2009 amending Directive 2002/59/EC establishing a Community vessel traffic monitoring and information system
[6] Directive 2002/59/EC of 27 June 2002 establishing a Community vessel traffic monitoring and information system and repealing Council Directive
93/75/EEC
[7] EMSA (2012). Blue Belt Pilot Project. Evaluation Report. Online http://emsa.europa.eu/operations/safeseanet/items/id/1463.html?cid=113; Retrieved [12 February 2013]
[8]http://www.rijkswaterstaat.nl/water/veiligheid/scheepvaartverkeersbegeleiding/SafeSeaNet/
[9]http://www.kystverket.no/en/EN_Maritime-Services/Reporting-and-Information-Services/SafeSeaNet-Norway/