What we do
We develop digital tools to monitor and forecast Ocean conditions, providing trusted information services that support global Ocean governance and informed decision-making worldwide.
Mercator Ocean International is a world leader in digital oceanography, delivering reliable ocean data, information, and intelligence to advance sustainability at regional and global scales. By integrating satellite and in-situ observations into advanced digital models, we provide comprehensive prediction services spanning the physical, sea ice, and biogeochemical dimensions of the ocean from surface to depth.
Guided by our 2021–2028 strategy and supported by our shareholders, potential Member States, and the European Commission, we are transitioning into an intergovernmental organization. Our work is structured around three strategic pillars: delivering a global public service for ocean data and information; strengthening national capabilities and fostering international cooperation within the Ocean community; and enabling informed action through ocean intelligence. Through these pillars, we design and operate cutting-edge digital ocean systems, develop collaborative platforms, and offer actionable insights to support resilient and sustainable ocean governance worldwide.
Our Vision
A healthy and resilient Ocean where sustainable development and informed decisions are guided by the best available science and technology.
Our Mission
- Deliver Ocean monitoring and forecasting information and decision-support tools for research, government, management, industry, and the public.
- Develop and share state-of-the-art marine environmental modelling technologies, including the Digital Twin Ocean, that allow us to learn from the past, understand the present, and explore scenarios for the future.
- Provide a centre for international collaboration on the Ocean prediction value chain - from data collection to application and value creation - where national, regional, and global actions contribute to a common framework, leveraging the capabilities of the Digital Twin Ocean.
- Advance the development and application of Ocean knowledge required to bridge the gap between Ocean information and action for sustainability.
- Inform, train, engage, and inspire Ocean knowledge developers and users.
StrategIC Offer
Mercator Ocean organises its offer across 3 pillars:
01
Ocean Data
Deliver a global public service for ocean data and information
02
Ocean Community
Support national capabilities and international cooperation
03
Ocean Intelligence
Enable decision-making with Ocean intelligence services
At the heart of our offer, the EU Digital Twin of the Ocean represents a game-changing infrastructure that supports the future European Ocean Pact. It offers a common integrated platform and delivery chain to convert quality-assessed data into knowledge and digital decision-support tools.
Ocean Data
Deliver a global public service for Ocean data and information
Mercator Ocean provides open-access, scientifically validated data through the Copernicus Marine Service (serving over 1,5 million users worldwide). By integrating satellite and in-situ observations, we deliver trusted data and expert analysis to support policymakers and inform decisions about the marine environment. This includes state-of-the-art modeling and digital twin technologies for understanding the Ocean’s past, present, and future. In Europe we collaborate with key partners like ESA, EUMETSAT, EuroGoos, Emodnet.
Ocean Community
Support national capabilities and international cooperation
Mercator Ocean strengthens national, regional, and international capacities by fostering collaboration, sharing tools and expertise, and transferring marine technology. Through platforms for R&D, coordination services, community building, and intergovernmental secretariat support, we unite scientists, policymakers, and civil society to advance sustainable Ocean management. Expanding our services beyond Europe, we host the OceanPrediction Decade Collaborative Centre (DCC) of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, co-host the OceanPredict project office, and lead the project offices for GEO Blue Planet and the G7 FSOI Coordination Center. These initiatives create a global community dedicated to sharing expertise and driving innovations in digital systems and applications to address critical Ocean challenges.
Ocean Intelligence
Enable decision-making with Ocean intelligence services
Mercator Ocean transforms Ocean data into actionable intelligence, empowering informed decisions through the European Digital Twin Ocean (DTO). This cutting-edge platform will simulate scenarios for climate adaptation, pollution prevention, and marine spatial planning. By offering insights into Ocean conditions, trends, and potential risks, we support sustainable development, environmental protection, and effective Ocean governance
Global Ocean Service
We provide trusted digital ocean data and expert analysis covering both global and regional seas. Our aim is to support global ocean governance with scientifically qualified and reliable digital services. These services inform decision-makers about the state of the marine environment, marine life, and the impact of human activities. Our work includes :
Ocean Modelling and Simulation
Covering physical (Blue), sea ice (White), and biogeochemical (Green) aspects of the Ocean, on various scales.
Ocean Monitoring and Forecasting
Providing real-time analysis, nowcasts, and long-term predictions of Ocean conditions.
Scientific Analysis and Reporting
Producing analyses that monitor changes in the Ocean due to natural variations and human activities.
These activities are supported by various European and international programmes, including the Copernicus Marine Service. Developed and operated by Mercator Ocean, the Copernicus Marine Service provides free, scientifically validated information on the global ocean and European regional seas. It serves over 85,000 subscribers and nearly 750,000 users worldwide as of 2024.
Third-party capacities
We enhance national and regional capabilities by sharing tools, data, and expertise for operational oceanography. This includes:
The European Digital Twin Ocean (EDITO) initiative, a virtual copy of the Ocean that makes it possible to simulate various critical scenarios (« what now / what next / what if » scenarios) related to major issues such as plastic pollution, rising sea levels, coastal erosion.
International collaboration, as we aim to unite the global ocean prediction community by establishing technical standards and hosting the OceanPrediction Decade Collaborative Centre under IOC-UNESCO.
Capacity Sharing to provide and benefit from a digital environment for experts to share tools and offering training programs to enhance data analysis skills.
We assist organisations and governments in addressing major ocean-related challenges by providing expert tools and fostering collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and civil society. Our expert resources support informed decision-making while raising public awareness of operational oceanography’s benefits.
Ambition
As we move forward, our ambition is to be recognized by future Member States and multilateral organizations as
An international center established to design, develop, and operate world-class digital ocean systems providing authoritative digital Ocean information services of interest to Member States and international Ocean governance.
This recognition is anchored in our commitment to excellence in Ocean monitoring and forecasting.