1 log Coastal and regional oceanographic fleet Overview and challenges EGMRI 4 May 2010 Olivier Lefort

2 Ocean and Global vessels in Europe Vessels operated on Ocean scale which length is over 55 m : Global vessesls ; 11 (2007) Ocean vessels : 15 (2007) An up to date fleet, with no question of over capacity, mainly operated by West European countries A large majority of those vessels open to barter through OFEG agreement.

3 Regional vessels in Europe In 2007, 20 vessels operated in 12 European eco- regions, Each region is covered by 235 days of research in average per year. There is no established transnational acces procedures except some limited initiatives (Ifremer /IEO cooperation, Eurofleets project),

4 Large exchangeable equipment in Europe A limited number of countries own most of the large and exchangeable equipment : Seismic Submersibles, ROVs, AUVs, Towed vehicles, Portable winches. Lending, leasing and exchange mainly happen on a bi-lateral case by case basis, or through OFEG Barter. Increasing technical interoperability of those equipment is a key factor for better exchange, but can be relatively costly

5 log Existing cooperation or initiatives

6 An efficient and constructive process since 1996 : OFEG ship time barter

7 Thalassa : an exemple of regional cooperation (IEO / Ifremer) Ifremer is the sole owner of the vessel, but : Spain and European regional structural funds paid 15% of the investment in 1995, An agreement was signed in parallel which warranty access to the vessel to IEO 60 days per year (2 campaigns) at a fixed operational day rate. More than 20 campaigns in 15 years

8 EUROFLEETS Project

9 contribute to a common strategic vision for European research fleets and associated heavy equipment use more efficiently the existing European Ocean/Global and Regional fleets, and develop their interoperability capacities; EUROFLEETS to aim to : Eurofleets concepts and objectives Towards an alliance of European research fleets facilitate a wider sharing of knowledge and technologies across fields and between academia and industry promote greener and sustainable research vessel operations and eco-responsibility; open to all European researchers access to high performing research vessels ans equipment on basis of scientific excellence; foster the coordinated and joint development of European fleets in terms of capacity and performances.

10 log Challenges

11 Ship time funding Ship time funding through EU framework programs is quite limited

12 Investment in regional vessels in Europe An aged fleet which number of vessels will dramatically decrease from 20 in 2007 to 8 in 2015 if renewal or major refits are not started now.

13 Typical coastal vessel project Length between 25 and 40 m Budget : 10 to 25 M€ according to length and equipment (West European shipyard)

14 Typical regional vessel project Length between 50 and 60 m Budget : 45 to 55 M€ according to equipment (West European shipyard)

15 As a conclusion Eco regions investments could be promoted with shared national countries funding, and managed through initial exploitation agreements Part of the investments should be supported by European funding (20%?), Explicit generalized ship time funding through EU programs is a key point for the future Eurofleets project is limited in time (4 years). It should be secure in the future through European regional organisation : a future for Ervo ?