EMODnet Welcomes three new Associated Partners

EMODnet is pleased to announce and welcome 3 new associated partners in Spring 2024: RGI, VOTO and Oceano VOX. Each bringing unique expertise and a strong commitment to advancing collaboration with EMODnet in the areas of data sharing, best practices in marine data, information technology and data services, and expanding the users of EMODnet, including for the Blue Economy.

1.The Renewable Grid Initiative (RGI)

The Renewable Grid Initiative (RGI), founded in 2009, is a collaboration of NGOs and transmission system operators (TSOs) promoting fair, transparent and sustainable grid development to enable the growth of renewables and achieve full decarbonization in line with the Paris Agreement. RGI is at the forefront of advancing sustainable solutions in the offshore renewable and grid sectors by fostering collaborations and innovations. RGI is also the founding member, convener and moderator of the Offshore Coalition for Energy and Nature (OCEaN), an open forum for offshore wind developers, NGOs and TSOs, to improve and speed up the planning and deployment of offshore wind and grid infrastructure while preserving and restoring nature. Their motivation for collaboration is to foster dialogue, contributing to the sustainability of renewable infrastructure, increase awareness about EMODnet and how to use it, thus contributing to the enrichment and use of data sets in the context of offshore energy deployment.

2. Voice of the Ocean (VOTO)

VOTO, Voice of the Ocean, is a foundation that conducts, supports, and promotes science and communication regarding the sea and its dynamic processes. VOTO continually occupies several ocean observatories in the Baltic Sea using autonomous surface and subsurface platforms.

VOTO supports the scientific community by providing research infrastructure, accelerating the development of new platforms and sensors, contributing to open-source software, and freely sharing all the data that it collects. Existing links with EMODnet include supplying near real time and delayed mode data to EMODnet Physics via the ERDDAP server. VOTO is

3. Oceano VOX

Oceano Vox is a start-up specializing in the acquisition of environmental data relying on participatory science and the Ocean IoT (Internet of Things). Oceano Vox is building the largest network of ocean and climate sensors in the world thanks to a low-carbon and highly competitive alternative with thousands of vessels of opportunity around the World.

Based on their disruptive technology, Oceano VOX is deploying a complementary network in coastal and polar regions where the need for reliable and accurate information is most urgent to fight against the global warming.  These data will be made available to EMODnet, according to international standards, making that information available as interoperable data layers and data products.

In conclusion, these new Associated Partners will bring diverse perspectives and invaluable contributions to EMODnet. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration that will enhance our capabilities in marine and maritime data management and utilization. Together, we continue to build a stronger, more interconnected network to address the challenges and opportunities in the marine and maritime domain.