31 March 2011 - PRESS RELEASE - The European Perseus project has started on January 1 2011. Perseus is a new, integrated system for the surveillance of European maritime borders, combining existing national and international systems. The Perseus project aims at a significant increase in European maritime control and security. Perseus uses various new and innovative technologies, including the detection of small vessels and low flying, non cooperative aircraft. Ecorys is the only Dutch partner in the project.

New integrated surveillance system should lead to safer European maritime zones

The Perseus project is part of the 7th Framework Programme of the European Union and is coordinated by the Spanish firm Inda. 29 partners from 12 countries collaborate in the project, which is meant to be the flagship of European maritime security. ECORYS Nederland BV is the only Dutch participant in Perseus. Ecorys is responsible for the economic analysis of the system and for the ongoing development of efficient procurement procedures for maritime border security in Europe. The project is also aimed at cooperation with non-European countries and international organisations like NATO or the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The project has a budget of EUR 43.7 million and will run for four years.

Through the Perseus project a significant increase in European maritime control and security will be realised. The integrated system will encompass National Coordination Centres, Frontex and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).  The solution will provide a description of the situation from coastal areas to the open seas in real time. It will also improve and automate detection and identification of suspicious or non-colaborative vessels, facilitating decision-making and reducing the response time of authorities. It will also facilitate assistance and coordination of interception and rescue at sea and will improve efficiency.

Technological innovation
Perseus will incorporate technological innovations regarding detection and analysis applied to maritime security, particularly for the detection of low flying targets and small vessels. Multiple sensors and sources of information will be incorporated in the system. It will be adapted continuously to new technologies, so that solutions employed at national level-SIVE, SPATIONAV and others-and European initiatives of the Frontex Agency, Eurosur, DG Mare, etc, can be integrated. The system will also employ technologies and capabilities under development by other projects of the EU, including other segments such as Space.

Participation of European maritime security authorities
Maritime security authorities such as the Guardia Civil Española, The French Ministry of Interior, the Hellenic Coast Guard and the Navy from Greece as well as other authorities from Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Finland, Romania and Morocco will also participate in the project. These agencies will be involved in two large-scale demonstrations regarding immigration and illegal trafficking control.

First demonstration in 2013
The first demonstration will take place in 2013 within the Western Mediterranean Basin from the Atlantic approach to Italy and North Western Africa. The second one is scheduled for 2014 and will be conducted in the area of the Aegean Sea and Samos Island channel, potentially including an extension up to the Black Sea. Based on the results, Perseus will define the technical standards and recommendations for the future European integrated maritime border control system, emerging as its point of reference. A broad community of users, with different level of participation in the project will evaluate the system and validate that it complies with their requirements.

Important role for Ecorys
The economic angle is becoming increasingly important in this type of European projects. Through its participation Ecorys guarantees a high quality interpretation of the economic analysis in the Perseus project. Ecorys will carry out a cost-benefit analysis in order to gain a good insight into the costs and the benefits of the future European system for maritime border security. This analysis will be the basis for policy decisions regarding the final system and maximising maritime security in the future. Ecorys will also analyse national and European tender procedures and rules for such systems and make recommendations for future harmonising these. This will help in further improving the tender processes and making these as efficient as possible.

Over the years, we have carried out advanced economic studies in the Netherlands and abroad inside and outside the maritime sector. In the Netherlands, we are market leader in cost-benefit studies in the domain of transport and mobility. Additionally, Ecorys frequently advises international governments as the European Commission and international donor organisations on the cost and benefits of investments in transport infrastructure. Apart from that, Ecorys is a front runner in the application of cost-benefit analysis for the feasibility assessment of implementation of complex technologies in transport.

At Ecorys we aim to deliver real benefit to society through the work we do. We offer research, consultancy and project management, specialising in economic, social and spatial development. Focusing on complex market, policy and management issues we provide our clients in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors worldwide with a unique perspective and high-value solutions. Ecorys’ remarkable history spans more than 80 years. Our expertise covers economy and competitiveness; regions, cities and real estate; energy and water; transport and mobility; social policy, education, health and governance. We value our independence, integrity and partnerships. Our staff are dedicated experts from academia and consultancy, who share best practices both within our company and with our partners internationally.

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