Use of EMSA data for maritime transport statistics

Maritime transport statistics faced increasing pressure to deliver more timely and accurate indicators, particularly at port level, while ensuring consistency with existing legal reporting frameworks. Data collected under Directive 2009/42/EC alone did not always allow early estimates or comprehensive quality assessment. There was therefore a need to complement traditional reporting with additional data sources, while preserving coherence with official European statistics.

Artemis carried out an in-depth analysis and estimation of vessel numbers by type and size class at reporting port level. The work involved a systematic comparison of multiple data sources, including Eurostat data, EMSA data, SafeSeaNet (SSN) aggregated data and MARINFO AIS data. EMSA data were used in particular toto support early estimates and to evaluate the quality of reported information, while combined sources improved comparability with Eurostat statistics. All data processing, validation, estimation and analysis workflows were implemented using R, allowing reproducible, transparent and automated statistical processing.

The project improved both the timeliness and accuracy of maritime transport indicators, enabling earlier estimates and stronger validation of reported data. The combined use of EMSA and other complementary sources enhanced comparability with Eurostat statistics and supported the production of more robust port traffic indicators. The assignment was delivered with 205 expert work-days, strengthening analytical capacity for maritime transport statistics within the European statistical system.