The European Maritime Safety Agency’s (EMSA) maritime services will be used by Frontex to reinforce control at the Schengen external border.

The three-year service level agreement was signed between the two agencies earlier this month.

Under the new agreement, EMSA will develop tailored monitoring services, information products, and tools. Data from EMSA’s Integrated Maritime Data Environment (IMDatE), including ship position reports and satellite images, will be provided to Frontex to enable them to construct a more comprehensive overview of activities at Europe’s maritime borders. This will build on previous pilot project services developed by EMSA for Frontex, and on integrated services which EMSA already offers to Member States and other EU bodies.

Information provided to the Member States by Frontex based on the EMSA services will be used for various purposes, including surveillance of target ports and coasts, tracking of suspect vessels and monitoring sea areas on an environmental basis.

In addition to maritime data, EMSA’s support will also consist of a 24/7 helpdesk service, via the Maritime Support Services operations centre, and training to analyse the data delivered.