European Union Launches OceanEye Initiative to Strengthen Global Ocean Observation

The European Commission has launched OceanEye, a flagship initiative designed to strengthen Europe's leadership in ocean observation and improve the understanding, protection and sustainable management of marine ecosystems. Introduced under the European Ocean Pact, the initiative aims to position the European Union as the world's leading provider of ocean intelligence while reinforcing international cooperation on ocean monitoring.

OceanEye sets an ambitious target for the European Union to contribute 35% of the global ocean observing system and secure 35% of the global market for ocean observation technologies by 2035. To achieve this, the initiative will establish a European Digital Ocean System, accelerate the deployment of a fully operational European Digital Twin Ocean by 2030 and strengthen the collection, integration and sharing of marine data across Europe.

As part of the initiative, the Commission has also launched an International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) to mobilise long-term investment and expand global collaboration in ocean monitoring. The European Union will invest €62 million through Horizon Europe to reinforce global ocean observation and improve access to reliable marine data that supports climate forecasting, biodiversity conservation, maritime safety and the sustainable blue economy.

OceanEye is expected to strengthen Europe's scientific and technological capabilities while supporting evidence-based policymaking on climate change, fisheries, coastal resilience and ocean restoration. By integrating advanced observation technologies with international partnerships, the initiative seeks to enhance global understanding of the oceans and promote their long-term protection as a critical component of sustainable development.

OceanEye becomes the evidence base that maritime-sector, blue-economy and coastal-infrastructure disclosure will increasingly require - TNFD, ISSB water-related and IMO compliance. Our climate-action and nature-based-solutions teams help shipping, port and coastal-infrastructure clients evaluate ocean-data-linked disclosure and investment.