SEAM ("Assessing concepts, systems and tools for a Safer, Efficient and Environmentally Aware and Friendly Maritime Transport" is a Research Project partly funded by the European Commission (DG Energy and Transport) under the 5th Programme for R&D (Key Action 2.2.2/7 - assessment and development of mitigation measures and procedures for environmentally friendly shipping operations - of the "Competitive and Sustainable Growth" Programme)

The main objective of the SEAM project is to contribute to a safer and more environmentally acceptable maritime transport system, notably in three key issues:

• ballast water,
• anti-fouling paints;
• air pollution from ships.

The partners are 11 institutions from 8 European countries who represent a broad cross-section of the academic, business, and research institutions in Europe.

The methodology is based on Formal Safety and Environmental Assessment (FSEA) methodology with 1 horizontal users-Group and 7 Workpackages.

The project has a duration of 36 months, starting on 1st April 2001, and finishing on 31st of March 2004

A cluster has been created between SEAM and MARTOB, a project dealing with onboard treatment of ballast water and marine low-sulphur fuel. To know more about the differences between these two projects and on their cooperation, please click here.