Back in 1995, the idea of reliably monitoring and forecasting the Ocean was still in its inception. Today, operational oceanography is a mature and vital discipline. It powers everything from climate action and marine safety to biodiversity protection and sustainable fisheries. These leaps forward have been driven by a blend of scientific ambition, technological innovation, and international collaboration.
To celebrate three decades of pioneering operational oceanography and digital Ocean systems, Mercator Ocean brought together the vibrant community of shareholders, partners, friends, and staff for a special 30th anniversary event at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3) yesterday. During UNOC-3, Mercator Ocean is also:
- Celebrating the international IGO Convention, now proposed for signature by the Copernicus Participating States;
- Showcasing the European Digital Twin Ocean as a strategic decision-making tool supporting the future EU Ocean Pact;
- Announcing new cooperation agreements with the international Ocean Prediction community.
2000–2010: Science & International Collaborations
Since 1995, Mercator Ocean has been at the forefront of developing operational oceanography in France, Europe, and across the globe. The organization coordinates the efforts of more than 60 European institutions to deliver operational forecasting services through the Copernicus Marine Service.
The early 2000s marked the development of the first Ocean models, transforming digital oceanography from a scientific vision into a mature discipline. This decade was characterized by building knowledge through science and fostering international collaborations, laying the foundation for operational oceanography as a global endeavour.
2010–2020: Services & Operational Infrastructures
The Copernicus Marine Service was initiated in 2009 and now serves more than 500,000 users and 100,000 subscribers worldwide. In 2024 alone, the service website was visited by 1.5 million unique visitors. Researchers, professionals, and operational decision-makers from sectors such as marine transportation, fisheries, and climate forecasting rely on its accessible and verified information to support their work.
In 2014, Mercator Ocean became the entrusted entity to implement and operate this service, coordinating expertise from across Europe to create a unified global service with operational Ocean forecasting systems that are now global benchmarks. This collective approach underscores Mercator Ocean’s strength as a service organization, dedicated to supporting governments and the EU in advancing Ocean knowledge.
The global community of oceanographic forecasting centres expanded during this period, integrating advanced data assimilation techniques and improved model accuracy. The late 2010s saw a focus on developing downstream services tailored to sectors including shipping, fisheries, and renewable energy. The Copernicus Marine Service has been instrumental in organizing this value chain across Europe, supporting the needs of a growing base of users.
As operational oceanography matured, advances in computing power, data assimilation, and modelling set the stage for a new era: digital oceanography. This evolution harnesses the full potential of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing to create dynamic, high-resolution virtual representations of the Ocean. Digital oceanography goes beyond routine data delivery, enabling real-time simulations, scenario modelling, and actionable insights for a wide range of stakeholders.
2020–2030: Policies & Governance
In 2022, the European Commission launched the Digital Twin Ocean initiative, a groundbreaking advancement in digital oceanography powered by Mercator Ocean. This innovative platform uses the latest AI techniques and provides a high-resolution, multi-dimensional, and near real-time virtual representation of the Ocean. By enabling the simulation of future scenarios, the Digital Twin Ocean supports informed decision-making for the sustainable management of marine environments. It stands as a revolutionary tool for anticipating and addressing critical environmental and societal challenges, including plastic pollution, sea-level rise, and coastal erosion.
Mercator Ocean is also evolving its governance structure. European countries are driving it towards Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) status, ensuring broader representation and joint decision-making in the development and implementation of Ocean systems and information services, including the Digital Twin Ocean. This enhanced governance will strengthen international coordination, ensure sustainability, and foster innovation through open, transparent, and accessible scientific knowledge.
At the international level, Mercator Ocean plays a pivotal role in coordinating the global ocean prediction community. Entrusted by IOC-UNESCO, Mercator Ocean leads the Decade Collaborative Centre for Ocean Prediction as part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), fostering a worldwide network of ocean modelling and forecasting experts. Mercator Ocean also supports the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and, through the EU4OceanObs project, hosts the G7 Future of the Seas and Oceans Initiative Coordination Centre. This Centre provides coordination services for the G7 Working Group, which is dedicated to advancing cooperation on large-scale ocean observing and digital infrastructures that deliver vital information for decision-making. This international leadership will be showcased at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3), where Mercator Ocean is announcing new cooperation agreements with the international Ocean Prediction community.
Looking Ahead
UNOC3 is a watershed moment for digital oceanography, recognizing its maturity and vital role in ocean governance. With an advanced digital infrastructure leveraging AI, a mobilized international community, and strengthened governance, Mercator Ocean is ready to tackle future challenges and contribute to sustainable, informed ocean management. This evolution reflects the ongoing commitment of France, Europe, and the international community to protecting our shared oceanic heritage.
