• [PRESS RELEASE – Brussels, Belgium, 28 January 2025] – Today, at the 17th European Space Conference, the European Space Agency (ESA) and Mercator Ocean International signed a landmark Memorandum of Intent to enhance their collaboration in Earth Observation and Digital Ocean activities. With the UN Ocean Conference approaching in June 2025, in France, this agreement signed under the aegis of the European Commission, marks a critical step in addressing global environmental challenges, positioning the European Union at the forefront of international ocean dialogue.

The collaboration aims at mobilising European energies and expertise to tackle urgent marine environmental challenges. It is part of the first round of the essential dialogue between space and digital ocean experts that Mercator Ocean intends to pursue at the next UN Ocean Conference and beyond, in view of its transition into intergovernmental organization. By combining advanced space observation with sophisticated ocean modelling and twinning, the alliance reinforces Europe’s leadership in global ocean conservation efforts.

The five-year agreement, spanning from 2025 to 2030, focuses on:

• Strengthening scientific and technological collaborations with common Research and Development priorities
• Fostering an integrative approach of digital ocean twinning
• Enhancing European Space/Ocean leadership internationally
• Facilitating dialogues for responding to environmental challenges

Josef Aschbacher, Director General of ESA, stated, “ This implementation agreement with Mercator Ocean International represents a crucial step in our mission to harness space technology for the benefit of our ocean. By combining ESA’s expertise in Earth observation with Mercator Ocean’s expertise in ocean modelling and prediction, we are positioned to drive important breakthrough in understanding and protecting our marine environments. “

Pierre Bahurel, Director General of Mercator Ocean International, added, “ Our partnership with ESA will drive forward the next Digital Ocean revolution. By leveraging space-based observations and innovative ocean modelling, we will provide unprecedented insights into ocean dynamics, supporting critical decisions for ocean conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. With just months before the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, we aim to mobilise the space sector community to address the challenges of the global ocean in a consistent and concerted manner. “

This collaboration builds upon the longstanding partnership within the European Copernicus programme, reinforcing Europe’s position at the forefront of ocean science and technology.

Contacts:
Email: press@mercator-ocean.eu
Laurence Collet
Phone: M + 33 6 76 86 85 15

About Mercator Ocean International – Mercator Ocean International is a non-profit organization in the process of transforming into an intergovernmental organization. It is committed to building a science-based digital Ocean to support the conservation and sustainable use of the Ocean. Mercator Ocean provides an operational digital description of marine environments worldwide and assists international organisations in implementing community and institutional programs, projects, and initiatives. It continually fosters interactions between scientists, policymakers, public and institutional decision-makers, and civil society. Led by Director General Pierre Bahurel, Mercator Ocean is based in Toulouse and has over 100 employees.