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Workshop focuses on Robotics and Pollution in relation to oil spills

Two maritime Thematic Networks have hosted a ‘Workshop on Robotics and Pollution’ in the wake of the Prestige oil spill. Topics included new technologies for clearing spills from the surface of the sea and robotic systems for pumping oil out of wrecked vessels.

Prestige breaks up; Image: Guardian Unlimited
Prestige breaks up; Image: Guardian Unlimited

The ERASTAR and ROBMAR Thematic Networks joined forces on 4 March 2004 to organise the Workshop. Participants from around Europe discussed ways to improve prevention and cleanup of catastrophic oils spills through the use of advanced robotics systems.

Presentations by leading maritime robotics experts were followed by a brainstorming session. Each of the participants outlined potential contributions by his or her own group to a consortium submitting a proposal in response to the second call for proposals under FP6 Priority 6.2 ‘Sustainable surface transport’. A list of possible proposals was also drawn up.

The Workshop was one in a series of events being organised by Thematic Networks funded under FP5, aimed at stimulating proposals in response to upcoming FP6 calls.