The ninth annual meeting of the European Network of Maritime Clusters (ENMC) occurred across September 26th and 27th.

It saw 25 representatives from Europe - including the UK - discuss business opportunities during 2013 World Maritime Day. Each country also discussed ongoing business and developments within its sector. The International Maritime Organization was also present during the meeting and the European Commission (EC) and Cape Verdean Maritime observed.

A major aspect of the talks involved ongoing efforts for a survey on the maritime sector within Europe, to be conducted by EC with ENMC in an advisory position.

ENMC chairman Francis Vallet said: "This study should work out the real weight of the European Maritime sector and be the starting point of all credible actions."

The chairman argued such a survey would benefit the EC by providing facts, rather than working with estimate figures. Next year's meeting will take place in Sofia, Bulgaria.