MISSION – Towards Safer, Smarter, and Low-Emission Maritime Transport
Maritime transport is the backbone of global trade: over 80% of all international trade is carried by sea. Although shipping is relatively environmentally friendly compared to other modes of transport, it still faces major challenges—such as unnecessary emissions, port congestion, and complex scheduling. Ships often sail at full speed to ports only to wait at anchor because services and berths are not yet ready. This is not only inefficient—it leads to unnecessary fuel consumption, emissions, and increased maritime risks.
The MISSION project (Maritime Just-in-time Optimization Interoperable Port Call and Voyage Optimization Tool) introduces a new approach to maritime operations. The project develops digital tools that enable the optimization of ship arrivals in close cooperation with ports and terminals. The goal is for vessels to arrive "Just-In-Time" (JIT), allowing them to proceed directly to berth without delay. This reduces fuel consumption, lowers emissions, and shortens port stays.
Improving safety is also a core objective of the project. MISSION applies artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to maritime traffic management, developing solutions that help identify navigational risks in advance and enhance situational awareness in port approaches. This ensures safe and efficient maritime traffic—even under challenging weather or traffic conditions.
MISSION is not working in isolation—it is part of a broader European cooperation effort. The project closely collaborates with the DYNAPORT initiative, which focuses on dynamic traffic management in ports. Together, the projects develop complementary solutions to advance Europe’s port operations toward a more digital, intelligent, and zero-emission future.
Funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme, MISSION brings together over 30 partners, including research institutions, ports, shipping companies, and technology providers from across Europe. Together, they are building systems that enable transparent data sharing, smarter routing and scheduling, and safe, efficient maritime transport.
MISSION is steering maritime transport toward a smarter, more sustainable, and safer future—one port call at a time.