Three Sister Projects Joined Forces at European Maritime Day 2026 in Cyprus

European Maritime Day (EMD) is the annual meeting point for Europe’s maritime community, bringing together stakeholders from across the blue economy to network, exchange ideas, and promote sustainable maritime development. EMD2026, organised by the European Commission, the Shipping Deputy Ministry of the Republic of Cyprus, and the Limassol Municipality, took place in Limassol, Cyprus, on 21–22 May 2026.

For our project and our sister projects, ObsSea4Clim and BioGeoSea, the event provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen collaboration and showcase our joint efforts in advancing ocean observing and Essential Ocean Variables development. Together with our partner EuroGOOS, we hosted an exhibition booth where we engaged with stakeholders from across the maritime community and discussed how collaboration and innovation can support a sustainable ocean future.

On the second day, representatives of the three projects, Lina Mtwana Nordlund, Artur Palacz, and Steffen Malskær Olsen, participated in the workshop “Shaping Ocean Observing Needs with Blue Economy”, moderated by Dina Eparkhina from EuroGOOS. The session explored perspectives on ocean observation across biology and ecosystems, biogeochemistry, and physics and climate, while interactive Mentimeter polls encouraged audience participation. The outcomes of the discussion will contribute to an upcoming BioEcoOcean deliverable report on clustering activities.