London, 22 September 2025 – The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project and MSE International have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance collaborative efforts in support of global seabed mapping. The agreement was formally signed during a meeting at the National Oceanography Centre’s Innovation Hub in Southampton, marking a strategic step forward in international cooperation on ocean data and innovation.
MSE International is a UK-based not-for-profit organisation that plays a leading role in advancing innovation within the Blue Economy. With expertise spanning marine energy, environmental sustainability and hydrography, MSE International brings significant experience in survey specification development, cross-border collaboration, and the creation of geospatial tools to support data prioritisation and planning. Supported by a strong international network, the organisation plays a leading role in advancing national mapping programmes.
Seabed 2030 is a collaborative project between The Nippon Foundation and the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO), which 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. The Project 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.
Under the new agreement, Seabed 2030 and MSE International will explore opportunities for collaboration on projects that harness their respective networks and expertise.
“This partnership brings together two organisations with complementary strengths and a shared vision of a sustainable ocean future,” said Jamie McMichael-Phillips, Director of Seabed 2030. “Mapping our oceans is fundamental to safeguarding the health of our planet.”
Dr Jonathan Williams, CEO of MSE International, commented: “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.”
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing the goals of the UN Ocean Decade and supports the broader mission to improve ocean knowledge, foster innovation and make critical data accessible for all.
All data collected and shared with the Seabed 2030 project is included in the free and publicly available GEBCO global grid.
ENDS
For media inquiries contact:
Pegah Souri
external.relations@seabed2030.