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Protecting the sea means protecting our futureMaja Markov%u010di%u0107 Kostelac, Executive Directorof the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA),in discussion with Giannis TheodoropoulosThe maritime sector is undergoing rapid transformation, shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, technological change, and rising expectations for safety, sustainability, and resilience. In this context, the EMSA plays a central role in supporting Member States and EU institutions with expertise, operational services, and maritime situational awareness. In this interview, Maja Markov%u010di%u0107 Kostelac reflects on the Agency%u2019s evolving mission, the importance of human capital, and the opportunities that a career in the maritime domain continues to offer to young professionals.How has the EMSA assisted EU Member States in expanding their capacity to monitor Russia%u2019s so-called %u201cdark fleet%u201d?In times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the EMSA has demonstrated its strategic role in providing maritime situational awareness by utilising existing intelligence and surveillance capabilities. The so-called %u201cdark fleet%u201d poses significant risks to the environment, safety, and security. Through our tools, we have been providing regular and targeted analyses and reports to the European Commission and the EU Member States; by fusing inputs from multiple surveillance sources %u2014 such as AIS data, GNSS interference monitoring, and operational reports from EU bodies %u2014 we have been helping authorities detect suspicious vessel behaviour more effectively. This includes activities commonly associated with %u201cdark fleet%u201d operations, such as Ship-to-Ship transfers.Our targeted reports also support the implementation of sanctions against the Russian Federation in the maritime domain. These tools include, for example, tracking Russian-flagged and false-flagged vessels and monitoring the importation of prohibited coal, oil, and liquefied gas cargoes. Should a potential sanctions-circumvention movement of a vessel be detected, the EMSA provides a real-time notification to the Member State authorities responsible for sanctions enforcement.Finally, as foreseen in the Agency%u2019s new mandate, which entered into force at the beginning of 2026, we are establishing a 24/7 centre to provide maritime situational awareness and analytical data to the European Commission, competent national authorities, and relevant Union bodies. These additional capabilities will ensure the EU is better equipped to manage maritime crises.In an increasingly complex maritime domain, the EMSA remains committed to supporting the European Union and May 2026 89