Revolutionizing global ocean mapping: Seabed 2030 and NORBIT Oceans unite forces

Seabed 2030, an international collaborative project aiming to map the entire ocean floor by 2030, has partnered with NORBIT Oceans to accelerate the progress of global ocean mapping. This collaboration between Seabed 2030 and NORBIT Oceans is set to significantly expedite efforts in surveying and understanding the depths of our planet's oceans.

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 underwater imaging and mapping technology provider. The parties will work together to advance the field of ocean science and obtain a complete map of the 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 oceans 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 organization with a mandate to map the entire ocean floor. 

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 offer advanced solutions for seafloor mapping, environmental monitoring, tailored products for the aquaculture and security markets, and 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, and general survey activities. 

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 and 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 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.