Multi-use of the oceans marine space, offshore and near-shore: Enabling technologies

Proposals should develop combinations of innovative, cost-effective technologies and methods including automation and remote monitoring technologies, flexible structures and facilities in order to test concepts of multi-use platforms leading to pilot demonstration phases. They should test the sustainable operability of co-located maritime activities around coastal or deep sea environments. They should also address health and safety issues associated with multi-use marine platforms. Environmental and economic viability as well as societal acceptance should also be investigated, especially by involving local communities. Proposals should capitalise on the results of EU and national projects including those testing business models developed for multi-use platforms for their economic feasibility and environmental sustainability.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of up to EUR 8 million would allow this challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude the submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Combining several activities such as renewable energy, aquaculture, maritime transport and related services in the same marine space, including in multi-use platforms, can serve to divide and reduce the costs of offshore operations and the demand on the space needed for different activities. Research on multi-use platforms funded under the FP7 call ‘The Oceans of Tomorrow’ has already provided promising designs, technological solutions and models for combining activities in terms of economic potential and environmental impact. However, before reaching a demonstration pilot stage, further technological research and innovations are needed to reduce risks for operators and investors.

To reinforce European competitiveness in the Blue Economy, proposals will:

• Bring technologies and selected designs of multi-use facilities at least to technology readiness level (TRL) 5, ensuring validation of technology in the relevant environment.
• Reduce costs of implementation and increase economic viability of multi-use platforms for the European maritime industry.
• Improve health and safety in multi-use marine platforms.
• Secure acceptance of these new developments by local communities and society-at-large.
• Contribute to the implementation of the Integrated Maritime Strategy and its environmental pillar, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, and take due account of the Marine Spatial Planning Directive.
• Improve the professional skills and competences of those working and being trained to work within the blue economy.