The EMH

Sailing through time: the journey of EMH

The EMH aims to promote the future of Europe's maritime cultural heritage, expressed through tangible and intangible assets produced throughout the history of human involvement with the ocean, inland waters and lagoons (EMH Statutes, Article 1).

The European Maritime Heritage (EMH) association, anchored in 1992, has been the beacon for maritime enthusiasts, historians, and preservationists across Europe. Born out of a collective passion to safeguard Europe's rich maritime legacy, EMH has since charted a course that has seen collaborations with governments, international organizations, and
maritime communities. From its humble beginnings in Amsterdam, the association has grown, reflecting the shared maritime identity of Europe.

• Year of Establishment: 1992

• Members: 27

• Countries: 12 (Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, United Kingdom).

• Affiliations: EMH expands its reach and collaborates in common causes through membership with the Association of the Maritime Museums of the Mediterranean (AMMM), Europa Nostra, the International Congress of Maritime Museums (ICMM) and the European Committee for the Elaboration of Standards in the Field of Inland Navigation (CESNI) as an approved organization.

DECISION MAKING BODIES
EMH STATUTES

Key Instruments

Over the past decades, several reference documents have contributed to shaping a shared European approach to the preservation and operation of vessels that form part of Europe’s maritime heritage. European Maritime Heritage (EMH) has played an important role in developing and promoting some of these instruments, which provide guidance both for the conservation of vessels of heritage significance and for the regulatory conditions enabling them to navigate across European waters.

Among the most significant are the Barcelona Charter (2003) and the Wilhelmshaven Memorandum of Understanding (2005). Together, these instruments reflect a shared European commitment to safeguarding maritime heritage while ensuring that traditional ships and boats — including historic and classic vessels — can continue to sail and remain part of Europe’s living maritime culture.

  • Barcelona Charter (2003)
    Type of instrument: Heritage conservation charter

    Adopted: Barcelona, 2003

    Scope: Conservation and restoration of traditional ships and boats in operation

    Developed under the auspices of: European Maritime Heritage

    Adopted in 2003, the Barcelona Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Traditional Ships in Operation establishes internationally recognised principles for the conservation and restoration of traditional ships and boats in operation.

    The Charter provides guidance to vessel owners, shipyards, maritime administrations and heritage organisations on how vessels of historical, cultural or technical significance should be repaired, restored and maintained while preserving their authenticity, construction methods and historical integrity. Its fundamental principle is that these vessels represent a living maritime heritage, best safeguarded through continued navigation and active use rather than static display.

    The Charter has become an important reference for those involved in the conservation and restoration of maritime heritage vessels throughout Europe and beyond. Its accompanying Commentary further develops the interpretation and practical application of the Charter’s principles.

    → Read the Barcelona Charter

    → Read the Commentary on the Barcelona Charter

  • Wilhelmshaven Memorandum of Understanding (2005) 

    Type of instrument: Inter-administrative cooperation memorandum

    Signed: Wilhelmshaven, 2005

    Scope: Cross-border navigation of traditional ships and boats

    Signatories: Maritime administrations from several European countries

    The Wilhelmshaven Memorandum of Understanding was signed in 2005 to address the practical regulatory challenges faced by vessels of maritime heritage significance navigating between European countries.

    The Memorandum promotes cooperation and mutual understanding among maritime authorities in order to facilitate the safe international operation of traditional ships and boats. By encouraging compatible regulatory approaches and greater recognition of the specific characteristics of heritage vessels, it helps ensure that these ships can continue to participate in international voyages, maritime festivals and cultural events.

    Together with the Barcelona Charter, the Memorandum contributes to a coherent European approach that recognises vessels of maritime heritage significance both as heritage assets deserving protection and as active participants in Europe’s maritime life.

    → Read the Wilhelmshaven Memorandum

EMH is a member of the International Congress of Maritime Museums (ICMM), the Europe Nostra and the Association of Mediterranean Maritime Museums (AMMM), and is an approved organization of the European Committee for Drawing Up Standards in the Field of Inland NavigationU (CESNI).

The EMH Emblem

The EMH emblem embodies the shared maritime heritage of Europe and the spirit of cooperation that unites the European Maritime Heritage community. The development of the EMH visual identity was made possible through a pro bono collaboration with the Lithuanian creative agency StandUp, whose generous contribution helped bring the association’s emblem to life. “