MSE International has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Seabed 2030 project, to enable both organisations to collaborate on complementary projects and initiatives bringing together their expertise to accelerate progress towards the mapping of the world's ocean floor by 2030.

The Seabed 2030 project was launched in 2017 as a collaboration between The Nippon Foundation and the General Bathymetry Chart of the Ocean (GEBCO). At that time, only 6% of the world’s oceans had been mapped to an adequate resolution. Seabed 2030 was established as a call to action, urging international cooperation to produce a definitive map of the ocean floor and make it freely available for all. The initiative directly supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 14, which focuses on conserving and sustainably using the ocean, seas, and marine resources.

Understanding the ocean is critical for addressing global challenges, from climate change and environmental sustainability to maritime safety and resource management. In recognition of its importance, the United Nations declared 2021–2030 the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, with Seabed 2030 named as a flagship programme. Ocean mapping plays a central role in achieving the decade’s seven key outcomes: a clean, healthy, resilient, productive, predictable, safe, accessible, and inspiring ocean.

MSE International, a non-profit organisation, plays a leading role in driving innovation and investment in the maritime Blue Economy, encompassing marine energy, maritime surveillance, sustainability, and decarbonisation. With a strong international network and deep expertise in hydrography, MSE has extensive experience in national seabed mapping programmes, survey specification development, cross-border collaboration, and the creation of geospatial tools to support survey prioritisation. The organisation follows a “Gather Once, Use Many Times” approach to seabed data, ensuring maximum impact and efficiency.

By partnering with Seabed 2030, MSE aims to apply its skills and expertise to help overcome the challenges of global seabed mapping. This is becoming a priority for MSE, particularly since André Cocuccio join the MSE board and team in January, as Commercial Director. 

The MOU was formally signed by Jamie McMichael-Phillips, Director of Seabed 2030, and Dr Jonathan Williams, CEO of MSE International, during a meeting at the NOC Innovation Hub in Southampton.

“This partnership brings together two organisations with complementary strengths and a shared vision of a sustainable future,” said McMichael-Phillips. “Mapping our oceans is fundamental to safeguarding the health of our planet.”

Dr Williams added: “MSE is delighted to join forces with Seabed 2030. By working together, we can accelerate progress in ocean mapping, enabling innovation and supporting the sustainable growth of the Blue Economy.”

Image Copyright MSE International

Jamie McMichael-Phillips from Seabed 2030 (left) presents Dr Jonathan Williams, MSE International (right) with the Seabed 2030 commemorative plaque.