London, 18 May 2023 – The global effort inspiring the complete mapping of the world’s ocean floor – The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project – has announced its newest partnership with NORBIT Oceans, a leading provider of underwater imaging and mapping technology. The parties will work together to advance the field of ocean science, and obtain a complete map of the entire ocean floor.
A collaborative project between The Nippon Foundation and the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO), Seabed 2030 seeks to inspire the complete mapping of the world’s ocean by 2030, and to compile all the data into the freely available GEBCO Ocean Map. Seabed 2030 is formally endorsed as a Decade Action of the UN Ocean Decade. GEBCO is a joint programme of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), and is the only organisation with a mandate to map the entire ocean floor.
Seabed 2030 Project Director Jamie McMichael-Phillips (left) and NORBIT UK and Middle East Director John Fraser
With a focus on providing technology solutions to global maritime markets, NORBIT Oceans is one of three segments within the global technology company NORBIT ASA, headquartered in Norway. NORBIT Oceans offers advanced solutions for seafloor mapping, environmental monitoring, tailored products for the aquaculture and security markets, as well as customised cables.
Under the partnership, which was entered into in Monaco during the 3rd IHO Assembly, NORBIT Oceans will strengthen the capabilities of Seabed 2030 and its network by providing innovative solutions involving bathymetric survey data sets, research voyages, as well as general survey activities.
Just last month NORBIT Oceans launched its next-generational stabilised multibeam sonar system in Southampton, ahead of Ocean Business. The company introduced the new ‘iWBMSh Stabilised’ system which provides active roll, pitch, and yaw stabilisation as well as dual swath capability in a compact and lightweight form.
“NORBIT Oceans’ technology solutions and expertise in underwater imaging will be invaluable to our mission of mapping the entire ocean floor,” commented Jamie McMichael-Phillips, Seabed 2030 Project Director. “This collaboration will bring us closer to achieving our ambitious goal, whilst advancing scientific understanding of the world’s marine environment.”
“We share Seabed 2030’s values in social responsibility and sustainability,” said John Fraser, NORBIT UK and Middle East Director. “We’re therefore delighted to join the project and support the delivery of its crucial objective, which is essential to the sustainable management of the planet.”
All data collected and shared with the Seabed 2030 project is included in the free and publicly available GEBCO global grid.
ENDS
Main Image Credit: Tracey Jennings / Ocean Image Bank
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