UN Ocean Conference Side Event: 10 000 Ships for the Ocean

Partnering with the shipping industry to scale-up global ocean observations

For over a century, merchant ships have been collecting vital weather and ocean data, enhancing safety, forecasts, and climate understanding. This high-level event unites a global coalition to expand ship-based observations. Backed by leading international organizations, France and marine industry pioneers, we are gathering the shipping industries to join an ambitious new partnership. Together, we will equip fleets with cutting-edge standardized and automated met-ocean technologies, unlocking global benefits for operations, forecasting, early warnings and environmental stewardship.

This event will culminate in a bold joint statement, laying out concrete commitments to achieve the UN Decade’s 2030 vision for ship-based observations and calling on the entire shipping industry to step up for Sustainable Development Goals. 

Voluntary Ocean Commitment

“By 2035, increase commercial ships participation in the Global Ocean Observing System tenfold, reaching 10 000 vessels providing real-time weather and surface ocean data”.

The 10 000 Ships for the Ocean Initiative will support WMO commitments on EarlyWarnings4All, Global GreenhouseGasWatch, the outcomes of the latest IMO-WMO symposium on extreme weather events and the ambitions of the UN Ocean Decade Vision 2030 (challenge 7). 

Shipping companies present at the UNOC event will be invited to seal their commitment and show the way for a smart business move that enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and mitigates risks.

UN organizations, together with Member States involved in the “observations to services” continuum, will coordinate, guide and support the scale up, maximizing benefits for private partners, and for the common good. 
 

Sign the 10 000 Ships for the Ocean Commitment 
 

Programme

Opening Session

• Albert Fischer, WIGOS Director, World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

High-Level Session – Vision for the Future of Ocean Observations

• Vidar Helgesen, Assistant Director General, UNESCO/IOC
• Fredrik Haag, Head, Office for the London Convention/Protocol and Ocean Affairs, IMO
• Maria Varteressian, State Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Representative from Norway
• Representative from France (Government, Ifremer, IPParis) – TBC

Keynote Session – Partnering with the Shipping Sector

• Mathieu Belbeoch, Manager, OceanOPS (WMO-UNESCO/IOC)
• Deepak Kruketi, Head of Fleet Environment and Regulatory Affairs, MAERSK
• Shipping Leader / Maritime CEO – TBD
• Shipping Leader / Maritime CEO – TBD

Panel Discussion – Scaling-Up Ship-Based Ocean Observations

Moderator: Joanna Post, GOOS Director

• Intro / Framing Questions by Moderator
• Shipping Company Fleet Manager – TBD
• KONGSBERG – TBD
• Bev Mackenzie, Head of Intergovernmental Engagement, BIMCO
• Florence Rabier, Director-General, ECMWF
• Jacqueline Sugier, Observations Capability Area Manager, EUMETNET
• Pierre Bahurel, CEO, Mercator Ocean International
• Otto Schacht, KÜHNE FOUNDATION
• Moderator Wrap-Up 

Voluntary Commitments & Launch of Joint Statement

Moderator: Mathieu Belbéoch

• Voluntary Ocean Commitment – Status
• Key Partners Share Individual Pledges 

Closing Remarks

• Ambassador Peter Thomson, UNSG’s Special Envoy for the Ocean