Ocean Aspot Mercator Ocean article

EUMETSAT and Mercator Ocean International strengthen cooperation

 

Partnership agreement enhances cooperation between EUMETSAT and Mercator Ocean International with the aim of boosting weather and ocean forecasting, climate monitoring and sustainable resource management

Ocean Aspot Mercator Ocean article
Ocean Aspot Mercator Ocean article

EUMETSAT has signed a partnership agreement with Mercator Ocean International to deepen cooperation in ocean monitoring and forecasting.

Last Updated

03 July 2025

Published on

03 July 2025

The agreement, discussed at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, on 9 June, and ratified by EUMETSAT’s member states on 2 July, establishes a framework for closer coordination in data sharing and the development of services. The cooperation is expected to benefit areas such as ocean forecasting, early warning systems, climate monitoring, sustainable resource management, and responses to environmental challenges.

Mercator Ocean International operates the European Union’s Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service, which provides free, open data on the state of the ocean, and co-develops the European Digital Twin of the Ocean – an advanced initiative that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and state-of-the-art modelling to create a dynamic replica of the ocean. Through the agreement, EUMETSAT and Mercator Ocean International aim to deepen scientific and technological collaboration, support the development of digital ocean initiatives to better understand the impacts of human pressures and climate change, and initiate further dialogue on global environmental challenges.

Pierre Bahurel and Phil Evans handshake
Pierre Bahurel, Director-General of Mercator Ocean International and Phil Evans, Director-General of EUMETSAT at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice.
Image: Courtesy of Mercator Ocean International

Phil Evans, Director-General of EUMETSAT, said: “The ocean plays a vital role in regulating weather and climate and is a key source of food and economic activity for billions of people. Through closer cooperation with Mercator Ocean International, we aim to strengthen the value of satellite observations and their contributions to essential ocean services across Europe and beyond.”

EUMETSAT contributes to ocean monitoring through its Meteosat and Metop satellite series, Copernicus missions such as Copernicus Sentinel-3 and Copernicus Sentinel-6, and other joint efforts such as the Jason-3 ocean altimetry satellite. EUMETSAT also delivers near-real-time and long-term ocean data products through the EUMETSAT Ocean and Sea Ice Satellite Application Facility. These provide valuable data on key ocean variables such as sea surface temperature, sea level, winds, waves, sea ice extent, and ocean colour. 

Next-generation and new programmes, including Metop Second Generation, Meteosat Third Generation, the Copernicus Polar Ice and Snow Topography Altimeter, and the Copernicus Imaging Microwave Radiometer, will further extend these contributions.

Pierre Bahurel, Director-General of Mercator Ocean International, added: “Ocean temperatures are increasing, sea levels continue to rise, and the marine environment is coming under growing pressure from human activity. It’s essential that we deepen our understanding of how the ocean is changing – along with our ability to forecast its conditions – and of its vital role in regulating the climate. Strengthening our partnership with EUMETSAT is a crucial step towards advancing Europe’s leadership in integrated ocean science and services.”

Main image: IISD/ENB/Gatis Marcinkevics

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