EMODnet Vessel Density Maps just launched
European seas are a hub of human activity. Maritime transport is so widespread that it inevitably affects anybody working in or with the ocean. For the first time those responsible for monitoring shipping emissions, identifying the best routes to lay pipelines and cables, assessing the impact of fishing on the seafloor or planning offshore wind farms can have free and open access to maps and the underlying raster files of vessel activity.
The new EMODnet digital vessel density maps allow users to visualise vessel movement patterns and the distribution of maritime traffic in European waters. The service provides access to monthly composite maps by ship type for the year 2017 (with more to come).
Maps are available free of charge for viewing, downloading, processing and usage for commercial and non-commercial purposes alike from the EMODnet Human Activities portal.