22 December 2010 - PRESS RELEASE -  Ecorys will support the European Commission in the realisation of a new dimension of the EU's Integrated Maritime Policy. The focus will be on the identification and sustainable use of the growth potential of Europe's maritime and coastal economy.

Oceans, seas, and coasts are widely seen as future sources of sustainable economic growth and employment. The sustainable use of maritime resources can potentially contribute to the growth of maritime sectors in Europe. These include sectors such as maritime trade and transport; shipbuilding and ocean engineering; food supply; health care and ecosystems, energy and raw materials; life, work and leisure in coastal areas and coastal protection. The European Commission wants to strengthen this growth through targeted policy measures.

Ecorys advises the EC on how to utilise this growth potential. More specifically, it is about mapping the driving forces behind this growth, like technological developments and innovation, and the barriers that inhibit growth, such as lack of knowledge and skill of judicial obstacles. Ecorys will also carry out an impact assessment to make a first evaluation of the necessary policy measures. The contract has a total value of € 871,000 and has been awarded to Ecorys and partners following an open call for tenders.

Ecorys has extensive expertise in the fields of scenario development, sector analysis, and impact studies. Ecorys is also well acquainted with the structures and processes involved in European decision-making because of the many projects it has carried out for different DGs and departments of the European Commission. The assignment will start in December 2010 and will run for 20 months. Ecorys will lead an international consortium comprising of  Deltares from the Netherlands, Océanic Développement from France, with additional support by IDEA Consult from Belgium.

For more information, please contact:

Robert Eijkelestam
Head Dpt. Marketing & Communication
T +31 10 453 88 57
E This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it