The proposed project MEMO will build on the experiences and results gained from its predecessor, AEM-MED (Les Autoroutes Electroniques Maritimes de la MÉDITERRANÉE) which has been completed ion 9/30/2008 under the INTEREGG IIIB MEDOCC Programme, and will utilize the AEM MED system by providing new tools and services focused on maritime risk prevention and local contingency planning. The AEM-MED system is an innovative marine information and infrastructure system that integrates environmental management and protection systems with maritime safety technologies (AIS, VTIS) for enhanced maritime services, higher navigational safety standards, integrated marine environment protection and sustainable development of coastal and marine resources. The project will focus on the enhancement of the existing marine information and infrastructure system created under AEM-MED with five new local / regional nodes and the provision of additional new services (Class B AIS, cross- correlation with Radar signal and meteorological data, application of Long Range AIS, integration of early response system and local preparedness plans, Fleet management, Aids to Navigation management etc). Moreover, it will lead to the establishment of the Mediterranean Marine Electronic Highway Observatory (MEMO) that will identify, monitor and integrate into the AEM-MED system enhanced environmental management tools and maritime safety technologies. Achievements: State of the art of project implementation since the project startThe MEMO project initiated in April 2009 and concluded in in March 2012. Partners have organized international conferences and workshops in Valencia, Venice, Marseille and Athens. Partners have researched maritime safety technologies, environmental management technological tools, guidelines, regulations, EU directives and implemented a perspectives & socio-economic assessment and analyzed the prerequisites for the establishment of the MEMH Observatory. The established Observatory maintains and utilizes appropriate marine information infrastructure for enhanced maritime safety and sustainable development of coastal and marine resources in the MED area. The Observatory includes databases, vessel traffic real time vessel monitoring information, ports and Legislation information. Partners worked on a comprehensive and concrete framework for the functional sustainability of the project's outputs and results.Latest project activities and outputsDuring the last period the MEMO project established the Mediterranean Electronic Marine Highways Observatory to maintain a technology watch in the field of maritime safety in the Mediterranean. Transnational Conferences have been organized in Venice, Marseille and the final Conference has been organized in Athens. Partners also undertook the following activities: -a thorough assessment of the System's technical functionalities and the areas of improvement -the financial assessment on concrete and analytical relevant information, permitting a clear overview of key-issues dealing with the sustainability of the system. - the creation of an investment tool for the sustainability and future expansion of the system. -a follow-up plan for the continuity of the system focused on the human and capital resources that should be employed for the continuation of the system at partner level. -policy recommendations based on the overall project implementation and experience.Next key steps for the projectThe partnership will seek to capitalize on the project outputs and seek synergies with other projects in the field of Maritime safety and environmental protection. Partners will disseminate the project results to the Regional European institutions, Regional, national and Local Authorities and will undertake actions to involve or connect other ports to the MEMH Observatory.