The MARINE project aims at creating and fostering a Network of Excellence to promote the development and the transfer of knowledge and innovation in the field of maritime incidents within the context of maritime security and of protection of marine habitats.This involves the setting up of a network of expert bodies in research and development of innovative activities as well as the establishment of links with users and technology transfer organisations.The strategic objectives of the MARINE network are to: - Develop a model of organization excellence based on a network structure. - Stimulate the development and the creation of competitive economic activities. - Lead the development of new technologies, techniques, high added-value products and services addressed to the identified application fields. - Identify regional and industry strengths and weaknesses and promote solutions for the relevant social, technological and commercial challenges in the field of maritime incidents. - Contribute to the internationalization of the network as well as of the involved entities, profiting from the high international demand concerning the application domain. - Build a sustainable network for Research and Innovation in Maritime Incidents. Achievements: The MARINE project aimed to create and facilitate Excellence in terms of interconnections to promote the development and transfer of knowledge and innovation on the ground in relation to maritime incidents in the context of maritime safety and the protection of marine habitats. Knowledge: Increasing knowledge of problems related to Maritime Incidents and social support by mobilising: ✔ Authorities and operational institutions – potential benefits of the proposed system and technologies, ✔ Political and administrative decision-makers – legal questions underlying the operation of an autonomous system, ✔ Developing systems and technology – obligations at various phases of maritime incidents, ✔ Marine scientists – New perspectives for work involving the protection of the marine habitat, ✔ Society as a whole – contribution to an increased level of confidence in relation to maritime incidents. Methodologies: Promoting the development of new technologies related to the Problem of Maritime Incidents: ✔ Sustained presence in critical sea areas, ✔ Adjustable degrees of intervention, ✔ New deployment of a detector, Pilot projects: Demonstration of new concepts using small-scale infrastructure (Testbed): ✔ Maritime surveillance and prevention, ✔ Testbed to demonstrate new concepts, ✔ Pilot projects paving the way for an ocean observatory, ✔ Biological observations, ✔ Surveillance and environmental detection and incidents related to maritime security, ✔ Characterisation of the marine ecosystem, ✔ Manoeuvring vessels in port. Valuing creation: For the interconnection, the Atlantic Area and society in general. Communication: creating a website: http://www.project-marine.fr, brochures and leaflets in English and Spanish, three scientific reports in English totalling 46 pages, 16 press articles (14 in Portuguese and two in Spanish), five seminars and conferences with about 500 participants, a workshop organised in Ireland by the MARINE project, posters in English, appearance on local TV in Spain and on the radio in Portugal.