The Marine Geology & Seafloor Surveying group of the University of Malta's Department of Geosciences has recently hosted the 20th annual meeting of the European Research Vessel Operators (ERVO) group.

The aim of ERVO is to promote the co-ordination of research vessel operators in Europe, address common issues and identify solutions for improving services to the scientific community and develop best practice in the operation of research vessels.

The meeting was held at the University of Malta Valletta Campus between 12 and 14 June. It brought together 40 representatives from 18 countries that shared experiences of common interest, exchanged information about their national fleets, highlighted trends in the requirements of sea-going vessels and explored opportunities for co-operation. The 21st annual ERVO meeting will take place in Hamburg in June 2019.