Researchers funded in the ShipArrestor project have developed an innovative method to slow down drifting ships and improve the speed and efficiency of marine rescue and recovery operations.
The new technique, which may contribute to greater marine safety, employs a huge parachute-shaped sea anchor.
The technology was successfully tested in Norway in June 2010. The rescue team, mobilised in the context of a drill, turned a heavy tanker to the desired direction and slowed its speed of drifting by 58%.
Thanks to the project, saving lives, preventing environmental disasters and recovering valuable cargo in case of maritime disasters may now become easier.
Factsheet by the European Commission / 27 November 2012