The scope of the ECMAR Association is focused on the development of a common strategy for European Research in the maritime industry, and to promote and support the adoption of the relevant research priorities within the area of EU funded Research, Innovation and Technology Development. ECMAR continues to seek close cooperation with industrial partners, universities and research organisations to develop future R&D in Europe, particularly within the context of Horizon Europe, the european multiannual financial framework for research and development and the Co-Programmed Partnership "Zero Emission Waterborne Transport". 

ECMAR is an active contributor to WATERBORNE, the recognized European Technology Platform for sustainable and safe seaborne transport and ocean related research, development and innovation.

Full Membership of ECMAR is open to organisations, within Europe, whose principal activity involves maritime applied research; there is also a category of Associated Membership for all other maritime organisations, who have an interest in applied research.

Background

With the increasing importance of the European Technology Platforms, Research Clusters and Framework Programmes, a need was felt to increase the role of Maritime Applied Research Organisations in the discussions with the European Commission.  This led to the creation of the ECMAR association in 2007.

The ECMAR organisations in this field are working in the area between the fundamental research at universities and the direct application by industry; they have a broad view over the research and innovation policies. This implies that an association for Applied Maritime Research distinguishes itself from the existing ones like SeaEurope (formerly CESA and EMEC), WEGEMT or EARTO and would be an effective and complementary addition to existing bodies.

More emphasis in formulating research and innovation strategies has undoubtedly been a growing need for the European maritime sector, together with improved support services for technology transfer. This is achieved through clusters and networks with good cooperation and knowledge transfer between research organisations and industry.

The ECMAR Association can differentiate itself, and offer added value to that already offered by other associations, by developing strategies from trends in research and innovation, from a broad overview of the research area and from the knowledge of both the available technologies and market demands.

Mission

The mission of ECMAR Association is to contribute to a common Strategic Plan for Research and Development in the European Maritime Sector that will contribute to defining content and priorities of National and European Union research programmes. The Strategic Plan will be addressed to the Member States, European Union institutions and the European Maritime Industry. For its part, ECMAR has develops its own Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) which draws upon the combined knowledge, experience and involvement of its members.