The Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) is Denmark’s national center for weather, climate, and sea ice monitoring, with strong expertise in polar forecasting. The Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Centre (NERSC) is a Norwegian research institute specializing in Arctic and oceanographic studies, particularly the use of remote sensing and modeling for environmental monitoring.

The challenge

Large icebergs off the coast of Greenland represent both an environmental hazard and a navigational challenge. In July–August 2024, a 4 × 2 km tabular iceberg drifted southeast of Greenland before breaking into smaller fragments, many too small to be seen from a ship’s deck. Over a six-week period, the iceberg lingered near tourist shipping routes, becoming a risk hotspot for cruise vessels operating in the area. Real-time tracking and accurate forecasting of its movement and disintegration were critical for ensuring maritime safety and operational planning.

The satellite solution

The DMI, supported by the NERSC, implemented a remote sensing-based monitoring system. The iceberg was continuously tracked using high-resolution satellite data. The OpenBerg drift model simulated iceberg trajectory by integrating:

• Ocean current data from TOPAZ5 (Copernicus Marine Service)
• Wind forcing from ERA5 (Copernicus Climate Change Service)

The integrated output of observational tracking and numerical modelling was visualised via the NARVAL portal, enabling both real-time monitoring and forecast-based risk assessments.

The results

• Enhanced Maritime Safety: real-time tracking and forecasting reduced collision risk for vessels operating near the drifting iceberg.
• Improved Iceberg Forecasting: combining Copernicus Marine and Climate data allowed more accurate drift simulations and structural evolution predictions.
• Support for Cruise and Tourism Industry: monitoring and information sharing enabled better planning and risk mitigation for cruise operations in iceberg-prone zones.
• Operational Collaboration: real-time data exchange between DMI and NERSC ensured informed decision-making and strengthened remote sensing capabilities for future events.

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Drift+Noise GmbH was incorporated in 2014 as a spin-off company of the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) and has established itself as a reliable and valued distributor of sea ice information data.

The challenge

Ships constantly have to navigate natural elements like weather, waves, and currents. In polar waters, the sea ice in constant state of flux adds another layer of complexity which must not be neglected, as it can make navigation hazardous. On top of that, limited internet access near the poles makes it difficult for navigators to retrieve the data they need in a timely manner. Yet, having access to the right information is crucial for making quick, informed decisions that ensure both safety and efficiency.

The satellite solution

Inspired by navigators’ repeated requests for ready-to-use data combinations during expeditions, IcySea offers access to the latest ice-specific satellite imagery for research, expeditions, tourism, fishing, shipping and offshore activities via a phone-sized GPS plug. The data is optimized for download in PDF format. The app is accessible and is presented through a user-friendly, intuitive and interactive interface, making it easier for crews to compare and interpret critical information while navigating icy waters. For example, users can access maps of sea ice concentration, manipulate layers and even select a point of ice on an image to forecast its drift. The app also includes a ship risk assessment tool, which evaluates the navigability of ice-covered areas depending on the vessel type entered in the system. To improve situational awareness, IcySea offers access to optical and radar satellite imagery, enabling users to monitor ice flows on clear days with optical images, or to rely on radar imagery when clouds prevent visibility. For each dataset, the app clearly indicates the most recent update time, ensuring crews always have access to the latest available information.

The results

• Reduces cost and risk.
• Instant access to ice relevant data and satellite imagery for navigators on the bridge of ships going into the polar regions.
• Time is saved because of the data processing and visualization via IcySea. Decision-making process is accelerated.
• Access to the kind of data provided via IcySea increases safety on board of ships because navigators can better assess the kind of conditions, they can expect in their target area.
• High-resolution satellite imagery simplifies and speeds up the route planning and allows ships to navigate more efficiently, save fuel and reduce travel times, which all saves the operator money.

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Universitas Brawijaya (UB) , established in 1962, is located in the city of Malang, in the province of Jawa Timur, Indonesia. The Marine Science Study Program focuses on four main areas, namely coastal and marine resource conservation, oceanography, exploration, and biotechnology.

The challenge

Marine research in Indonesia faces several challenges, particularly the high cost and logistical difficulties associated with obtaining in-situ data and specialized analytical instruments. The vast and diverse marine environments of the Indonesian archipelago require significant resources for field campaigns and data acquisition, which can limit the scope and continuity of research and educational activities.

The satellite solution

To overcome these barriers, the UB integrates satellite-based ocean data from the Copernicus Marine Service into its marine research and education programs. The freely available datasets offer a practical and cost-effective alternative to extensive fieldwork, enabling both researchers and students to access consistent, reliable information to analyze environmental parameters (in particular nutrient levels) relevant to the assessment of the Indian Ocean.

By using the reliable, open-access products of the Copernicus Marine Service, Universitas Brawijaya has increased its capacity to study and teach about the health of the oceans. Students learn to explore and monitor key indicators of ecosystem change, contributing to national and regional awareness of the challenges facing the ocean environment.

The results

• Accessible learning resources: Students can actively engage with real-world oceanographic data, enhancing their analytical skills and understanding of marine systems.
• Cost-effective research: Researchers can carry out studies continuously without interruptions due to funding or lack of access to instrumentation.
• Capacity building: The initiative helps build local expertise in marine science and remote sensing technologies.

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Polar View is an international organisation specialising in satellite-based monitoring of the polar regions and global marine environments. With extensive expertise in delivering operational services, Polar View supports users in addressing environmental and climate-related challenges through Earth observation.

The challenge

Polar regions face extreme environmental conditions—sub-zero temperatures, winter darkness, and dangerous sea ice and icebergs—that make navigation perilous. The scarcity of in-situ sensors across vast and remote polar areas leads to critical data gaps, increasing the risks of maritime incidents. Regulatory frameworks such as the IMO Polar Code demand improved ice information, but data fragmentation and jurisdictional boundaries limit coordination and access to reliable forecasts.

The satellite solution

The DESIDE project, funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and led by Polar View and the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) uses DESP/DestinE system capabilities to generate enhanced polar data services. By integrating RCM ARD data (Analysis Ready Data from the RADARSAT Constellation Mission), Sentinel satellites, and other polar datasets, the project provides comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional sea ice products. Key tools include a Sea Ice Chart Data Cube for planning and AI training, a method to track ice movement between satellite images, and tailored delivery via platforms such as IcySea, Polar Dashboard, and Polar TEP. These solutions support ship operators, analysts, and researchers alike.

The results

• Improved sea ice tracking and forecasting to support safety, planning, and emergency response.
• Greater operational safety for vessels navigating polar waters through more reliable and accessible ice data.
• Reduced emissions via optimized ship routing and voyage planning.
• Protection of environmentally sensitive areas through more accurate forecasts and policy support.
• Enhanced access to polar data for scientific research and AI-based analysis.

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THETIDA, a Horizon Europe project focused on cultural heritage and climate resilience, is developing the CIRIS tool to assess and monitor coastal flood risk in Arctic regions. Coordinated by the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), the initiative brings together international partners to safeguard vulnerable heritage sites from the growing impacts of climate change.

The challenge

The Arctic is one of the world’s most rapidly changing regions. Accelerated sea level rise and land subsidence increase the risk of coastal flooding, threatening both fragile ecosystems and historically significant sites. In places like Svalbard, these challenges are compounded by sparse observational data and limited ground-based infrastructure. Sites such as the Hiorthhamn Coal Cableway Station—a key remnant of Arctic industrial history—are especially vulnerable, yet lack tailored tools for flood risk evaluation that consider both environmental and cultural contexts.

The satellite solution

To address this gap, NTUA developed CIRIS (Coastal Inundation Risk tool), which integrates Copernicus Earth Observation data with hydrographic models. Sentinel-1 InSAR data is used to measure ground deformation, while sea level rise trends are sourced from the Copernicus Marine Service. Together, these datasets enable CIRIS to produce dynamic, high-resolution flood risk maps that account for both vertical land movement and ocean dynamics. Unlike traditional models, CIRIS offers a more localized and accurate view of flood hazards in Arctic zones, and is designed to be open-source and easily adapted to new sites.

The results

• CIRIS has been deployed at the Hiorthhamn Coal Cableway Station in Svalbard to assess future flood risks
• Delivers improved risk assessments by combining land subsidence and sea level rise
• Supports cultural heritage managers, researchers, and local authorities with actionable data for climate adaptation

Designed for scalability, CIRIS is freely available on GitHub, enabling its use in other high-risk coastal regions globally

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The Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale (OGS) is leading efforts to improve oil spill risk management in the Adriatic Sea. Through the NAMIRS (2022–2024) and ASAP (2024–2027) projects, OGS and its partners aim to strengthen transnational coordination and environmental protection across six Adriatic countries.

The challenge

The Adriatic Sea is a semi-enclosed and heavily trafficked basin, making it particularly vulnerable to accidental marine pollution from oil spills. A spill in one area can quickly spread and affect multiple countries’ waters and coasts. However, existing national contingency plans are often limited in scope, lack harmonization, and do not sufficiently address the transboundary nature of such risks. There is a pressing need for a regional, coordinated approach that combines prevention, preparedness, and rapid response capabilities among Adriatic countries.

The satellite solution

To estimate the potential exposure of sensitive areas to oil in case of a spill, the NAMIRS and ASAP projects relied on oil drift simulations. These were produced using a model nested within the Copernicus Marine Service physical ocean model of the Mediterranean Sea. This downscaling approach allows higher-resolution forecasting of ocean currents in the Adriatic, increasing the precision of oil dispersion scenarios. By integrating CMEMS data with regional modeling, the projects were able to simulate likely trajectories of oil spills under different weather and ocean conditions, improving both prevention planning and emergency response readiness.

The results

• Risk maps identifying high-priority areas for protection based on maritime traffic patterns, simulations, and expert input
• Resource mapping of the North Adriatic’s anti-pollution capacities (equipment, stakeholders, services)
• Training sessions in Trieste, Rijeka, and Koper to strengthen national response teams’ capacity, particularly for shoreline cleanup and operational coordination
• Updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline cross-border response
• Under ASAP, these methods and tools will now be adapted and extended to the entire Adriatic basin, fostering region-wide cooperation and preparedness

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The Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA) and the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS) play a key role in Italy’s marine environmental monitoring. As part of the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), they rely on Earth observation to improve the national evaluation of Good Environmental Status (GES).

The Challenge

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) was established to protect marine ecosystems and the biodiversity on which human health and marine-based economic and social activities depend. Among the 11 descriptors defined by the directive, Descriptor 5 (D5) focuses on eutrophication—the excessive enrichment of water with nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, leading to algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and ecosystem imbalance. Monitoring eutrophication is essential to evaluate Good Environmental Status (GES) and ensure long-term ecosystem health, particularly in areas such as the Mediterranean Sea, where anthropogenic pressures are high and spatial coverage of in situ measurements is often limited.

The satellite solution

For the 2016–2021 MSFD implementation period, ISPRA and OGS used Copernicus Marine Service (CMEMS) physical and biogeochemical reanalysis data, applying bias correction with national in situ monitoring data to refine model accuracy in coastal zones. Key parameters such as chlorophyll-a, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, phosphate, and oxygen were analysed. Satellite data complemented in situ measurements and allowed broader coverage, including waters beyond 12 nautical miles. Future integration of ARGO float data will further enhance offshore monitoring.

The results

• National GES assessment for Descriptor 5 supported by CMEMS reanalysis data, with improved resolution in coastal areas through in situ integration.
• Extension of eutrophication monitoring to offshore waters thanks to planned use of ARGO float observations.
• Availability of consistent datasets beyond 12 nautical miles, covering Italy’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
• Improved scientific understanding of eutrophication dynamics, with evidence of declining trends in specific regions such as the Adriatic.
• Contribution to national compliance with the MSFD and Water Framework Directive (WFD), and support to ecosystem restoration and sustainable marine management.

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Polar View is an international organisation specialising in satellite-based monitoring of the polar regions and global marine environments. With extensive expertise in delivering operational services, Polar View supports users in addressing environmental and climate-related challenges through Earth observation.

The challenge

Climate change calls for a fundamental transformation of our economies and societies. The global push toward a low-carbon, circular, and nature-positive economy—known as the Green Transition—must be supported by reliable data and decision-support tools, especially in vulnerable regions such as the Arctic and North Atlantic. The challenge lies in helping public and private actors plan and operate in ways that are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable, across sectors including maritime transport, renewable energy, and aquaculture.

The satellite solution

The Cerulean Information Factory (CIF), led by Polar View and funded by ESA, co-develops user-driven services that draw on satellite data, particularly from the Copernicus Marine Service, to support decision-making in three key sectors:

• Shipping: A route optimisation tool combining ocean and ice data with IMO CII metrics to improve safety and reduce emissions.
• Offshore renewables: A toolkit using historical and seasonal ocean data to assess site suitability and operational risk for wind, wave, and tidal energy.
• Aquaculture: A service integrating Copernicus and meteorological data to support site selection and risk monitoring, including water quality indicators.

The results

CIF delivers operational geospatial services that make satellite data accessible and actionable for end users. Key outcomes include:

• Minimizing carbon emissions from ships while maintaining safe and economical operations in and around sea ice.
• Assessing the suitability of sites for offshore renewable energy installations to balance the potential for energy production with the risks associated with hazards such as structural icing and extreme weather conditions.
• Assessment of the suitability of sites for aquaculture facilities to balance the potential for bio-productivity with the risks associated with sea ice and harmful algal blooms.

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Founded in 1984, the University of the Aegean aims to promote regional development and to introduce new approaches in higher education in Greece and worldwide. Member of the European Universities Association (EUA), member of the EMUNI Senate and partner in many academics and research networks, the University of the Aegean has become a dynamic and competitive institution at national and international level and a strong social and economic stakeholder in the region.

The challenge

Fish stock monitoring is an integral part of fisheries research and management. It is vital for assessing the state of the ecosystem, and if there are changes to the suitable habitat of the species.

Traditional methods of small pelagic fish monitoring is done through catch assessment onboard fishing vessels, fishing logbooks, and echo surveys. All these methods are time-consuming and require a lot of resources, either financial or manpower.

The satellite solution

The University of the Aegean developed remote sensing models using Copernicus Sentinel-3 data (OLCI and SLSTR sensors) to monitor environmental conditions such as chlorophyll-a and sea surface temperature. These variables act as proxies for identifying suitable habitats and feeding grounds for small pelagic fish.

The results

The project led to the development of an operational workflow that produces:

• Spatial distribution models (1 km) for both anchovy and sardine populations, enabling precise mapping of potential habitats.
• Daily presence/absence prediction maps, where each pixel represents the likelihood of observing a given species at that location, based on the most recent satellite data.
• A pilot geospatial service, offering an interactive platform for fisheries managers to explore and access updated habitat information.
• Ancillary products, such as thermal front maps, which highlight biologically productive zones where different water masses meet—often hotspots for fish activity.

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D-ICE is a French SME working on technological solutions to diminish the impact of boats on the environment.

The company is based in Nantes, with a team of 26 people, and operates in the fields of routing, clean energy and safety at sea. D-ICE assists ship owners and operators to find solutions to diminish their impact on the environment. In particular, they work on assessing the interest of adding wind-assisted ship propulsion systems onboard merchant ships.

The challenge

More than 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions can be attributed to ocean-going vessels, which is equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from over 205 million cars. Moreover, boats powered by fuel also cause noise pollution that negatively affects marine life.

The carbon dioxide emissions of ships are directly proportional to fuel consumption and speed. To reduce their environmental impact and to align with the objectives of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the shipping industry is looking for solutions to reduce fuel consumption by using wind-assisted propulsion systems.

D-ICE decided to create systems to help ship operators to assess the interest of adding wind-assisted ship propulsion systems onboard their ships.

The satellite solution

Since 2020, D-ICE developed the SATORI software, an online service that estimates the fuel consumption of ships on specific routes. SATORI is particularly interesting to evaluate the performances of wind-assisted ship propulsion systems.

Initially funded by the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS), SATORI relies on data from Copernicus satellites to acquire information on weather, wind, waves and sea currents on sea routes. Those historical data are made freely available by the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service through two products: the Global Waves Reanalysis Waverys and the Global Ocean Physics Reanalysis.

The data are used to calculate ships’ motions and interactions with the environment. Indeed, the evaluation of wind, waves and currents is necessary for the model to calculate the speed of ships and their engine power between two points at a specific time.

The results

SATORI is built for shipowners, naval architects and providers of propulsion systems. Customers access SATORI through a web portal, where they can enter the ships’ data and their potential speed according to different directions and winds.

Users can perform statistical weather routing studies on the online interface, choose a route and the time periods on which they wish to assess the ships’ average consumption, and then create their own data visualisation to obtain the required forecasts (environmental conditions to be encountered, fuel saving associated with wind-assisted propulsion, ship motions).

SATORI has been already used by some notable skippers. For example, Total and Z&B are today using the software on some of their ships, while AYRO and Chantiers de l’Atlantique rely on it to design wind-assisted ship propulsion systems.

The same algorithm which powers SATORI was used to perform a study for the design team of the new Banque Populaire trimaran after their boat capsized during the Route du Rhum yacht race in 2018.

In 2021, the boat Maître Coq won the greatest sailing race around the world, solo, non-stop and without assistance: the Vendée Globe. D-ICE provided the skipper, Yannick Bestaven, with a software that contained a database of historical routes.

This database was computed with the same algorithm as SATORI. This tool helped him to confirm his routes’ choices and to eventually win the race.

“Thanks to this new technology, the shipping community can now validate business models around the new targets of the International Maritime Organization and take action to reduce greenhouse gases emissions globally”. Sylvain Faguet, D-ICE
Engineering.

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