Mercator Ocean International’s transformation puts innovative digital Ocean technologies at the service of Ocean decision making and protection
PRESS RELEASE – Nice, France – June 10, 2025 – In a defining moment for the ocean, twelve European countries today endorsed a joint Declaration at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, expressing their continued commitment to continue working together towards the creation of the Mercator International Centre for the Ocean, led by the governments of France and Norway, who signed the international Convention to establish this new intergovernmental organization.
What will change: A new era for Ocean protection
The Mercator International Centre for the Ocean will deliver world-class digital ocean systems—including the European Digital Twin of the Ocean – to provide reliable, real-time information supporting climate resilience, marine safety, environmental protection, and a sustainable blue economy. For the first time, governments, scientists, managers, and citizens across Europe and beyond will have direct access to authoritative, actionable ocean knowledge, tailored to their needs and priorities. Under intergovernmental governance, these services will be aligned with Member States’ priorities, ensuring that Europe leads the way in science-based ocean action. The Centre will guarantee the continuity of the Copernicus Marine Service and drive forward major initiatives such as the EU Digital Twin Ocean, the UN Ocean Decade Collaborative Centre for Ocean Prediction, and international capacity-building projects. The Centre prepares for operational launch in 2027.
A shared vision for the ocean
Born from an ambitious vision, the Mercator International Centre for the Ocean unites nations to harness digital innovation and scientific excellence for ocean protection and sustainable blue economies. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, the Centre will serve as a global hub for – collaboration and innovation, empowering governments, stakeholders, and society to make informed decisions.
From diplomacy to action
This milestone builds on the momentum the 2022 Declaration of Brest, where European leaders recognized the urgent need for an intergovernmental organization to make trustworthy digital Ocean knowledge accessible to all. Over the past three years, this vision has taken shaped through targeted diplomatic consultations, culminating in the Convention finalized in Paris in April 2025. Today, twelve governments from EU Contributing States made a new commitment to continue working together towards the creation of the Mercator International Centre for the Ocean, led by the governments of France and Norway, who signed the international Convention to establish this new intergovernmental organization.
The twelve governments that have signed the declaration are: Belgium, Estonia, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain.
A testament to European leadership in ocean science for governance
For three decades, Mercator Ocean International has been a world leader in operational oceanography, thanks to the dedication of its ten founding shareholders: CMCC, CNR, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Météo-France, the Met Office, NERSC, Puertos del Estado, and SHOM. As operator of the Copernicus Marine Service – a pan-European network of more than 60 institutions and hundreds of scientists – Mercator Ocean has built on this strong foundation. Governance of the new organization will now transition from the shareholders to the Member States, who will collectively guide the Centre’s future to serve Europe and the global community.
Agnès Pannier-Runacher, France Minister of Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forestry, Sea, and Fisheries, said:
“With the establishment of the Mercator International Centre for the Ocean, Europe reaffirms its leadership in ocean science and innovation. This new organisation will equip us with the knowledge and tools needed to protect our ocean and support the transition to a sustainable blue economy. France is proud to be at the forefront of this historic initiative.”
Philippe Baptiste, Minister for Higher Education and Research:
“Mercator Ocean continues to grow, and I am very pleased that today, together with our partners, we have taken the first step towards its transformation into an intergovernmental organisation. This evolution reflects the importance we collectively attach to developing the European Digital Twin Ocean—an essential tool in the service of science, enabling us to better understand the ocean. The rise of Mercator Ocean is also the rise of a model: that of international cooperation among those committed to advancing science and research. In these troubled times, I believe more than ever that we must defend and foster such models.”
Marianne Sivertsen Næss, Norway Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, added:
“Norway has always championed international cooperation in ocean science. By establishing this new Centre, we strengthen our collective ability to understand, predict, and safeguard the ocean for generations to come. Together, we are building a foundation for informed action, grounded in the best available science.”
Pierre Bahurel, Director General of Mercator Ocean International, reflected:
“This new organisation is built on the firm belief that only through international cooperation and the active engagement of all ocean decision-makers can we effectively tackle urgent global challenges. Established in Europe and open to the world, the Mercator International Centre for the Ocean will lead this collective effort, harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to safeguard our ocean for future generations.”
Peter Thomson, UN Special Envoy for the Ocean:
“While initiated by European states, this new organization is designed with a truly global vision: committed to working hand in hand with national, regional, and international partners, including the United Nations. By transforming how we generate, share, and validate ocean knowledge, it will help ensure that reliable, authoritative information is accessible to all who depend on a healthy ocean.”
Read the Declaration here
Press Contacts
For more information and interview requests, please contact:
- Laurence Collet, corporate communications and press at Mercator Ocean International
lcollet@mercator-ocean.fr // press@mercator-ocean.fr - Margaux Demeyer, PR manager at logos
margaux.demeyer@logos-pa.com
About Mercator Ocean International
Mercator Ocean International is a world leader in digital oceanography, providing trusted ocean analysis, forecasting, and intelligence to advance science, policy, and societal needs. Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Toulouse, France, the organisation employs 120 staff and is led by Director General Pierre Bahurel. As a European organization registered in France, Mercator Ocean International operates the Copernicus Marine Service on behalf of the European Union and is recognised as a global ocean prediction centre. It co-develops the European Digital Twin of the Ocean with European partners and hosts the G7 Future of the Seas and Oceans Initiative Coordination Centre. More information on www.mercator-ocean.eu
