A Message From Our Executive Director
Past, Present & Future
Since its foundation in 2002, EMSA has been at the side of the European Commission and the Member States carrying out an ever-increasing set of tasks.
20 years on, its role and mission remain as vital as ever.
The voyage continues.
20 years on, its role and mission remain as vital as ever.
The voyage continues.
Our History
Twenty years of growth and development from Brussels to Lisbon.
Founded in 2002 in response to the Erika and Prestige disasters, EMSA’s mission is to serve EU maritime interests for a safe, secure, green and competitive maritime sector and act as a reliable and respected point of reference in the maritime sector in Europe and worldwide.
The concept of a European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) as a regulatory agency originated in the late 1990s along with a number of other major European maritime safety initiatives. EMSA was established by Regulation (EC) No 1406/2002 as a major source of support to the Commission and the Member States in the field of maritime safety and prevention of pollution from ships. Subsequent amendments have refined and enlarged its mandate.
The concept of a European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) as a regulatory agency originated in the late 1990s along with a number of other major European maritime safety initiatives. EMSA was established by Regulation (EC) No 1406/2002 as a major source of support to the Commission and the Member States in the field of maritime safety and prevention of pollution from ships. Subsequent amendments have refined and enlarged its mandate.
Safer Seas in Europe
Our work in action – supporting Member States and the European Commission
EMSA’s mission is to serve EU maritime interests for a safe, secure, green and competitive maritime sector and act as a reliable and respected point of reference in the maritime sector in Europe and worldwide.
IN FOCUS
We are based in Portugal, but our work spans the EU and beyond. Our support to Member States and the EU Commission brings real benefits for the maritime sector and for EU citizens.
EMSA’s work supports the initiatives launched by the EU in all policy areas related to the seas. Our activities and projects are carried out in order to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, sustainable growth, and blue economy, as well as to contribute to the EU’s security agenda and international profile.
EMSA’s work supports the initiatives launched by the EU in all policy areas related to the seas. Our activities and projects are carried out in order to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, sustainable growth, and blue economy, as well as to contribute to the EU’s security agenda and international profile.
WHAT WE DO
STRATEGY
Our roadmap for the future
SAFETY
Contributing to higher maritime safety standards and anticipating future challenges.
SUSTAINABILITY
We support the maritime dimension of the European Green Deal
SECURITY
Strengthening maritime security in Europe and globally where there is a European interest
SURVEILLANCE
We are the EU’s eyes on the sea
SIMPLIFICATION
Facilitating the simplification of EU shipping by supporting EU-wide digital maritime solutions