Brussels, 27/01/2005 (Agence Europe) - In Bremen, Germany, on Tuesday, the European Commission announced the launch of a new technological platform for sea transport. Like other structures of this kind, which have been set up for aerospace, and the rail and automotive sectors amongst others, this platform will help to shape a strategic vision for future needs in terms of research in the sea transport sector. It will define the priority areas for research, stimulate public and private investment in research and development and improve the coherence between various research actions carried out at local, regional, national and European level. The Commissioner for Industry, Günter Verheugen, attended the inaugural meeting of this group, which is made up of representatives of industry, public authorities, regulatory bodies, research centres and universities.