Challenges

Offshore energy developers face uncertainty in site selection, installation logistics, and maintenance scheduling due to highly variable marine conditions. EO data from Sentinel-1 (SAR imagery), Sentinel-3 (sea surface temperature and height), and SWOT (fine-scale ocean topography) enables precise resource mapping and dynamic ocean state forecasting. This optimises turbine placement, reduces downtime, and de-risks investment, accelerating the deployment of clean energy solutions. For instance, Copernicus Marine Service (CMEMS) data have been used to model hydrodynamic flows around tidal sites, aiding developers in Scotland and France.

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, maritime trafficking, and safety incidents require real-time monitoring over vast ocean areas. EO solutions, such as ICEYE and RADARSAT SAR imagery and Spire’s Maritime 2.0 AIS integration, enable near-real-time vessel detection and tracking. Coupled with AI-driven anomaly detection, authorities can identify "dark vessels," predict suspicious patterns, and respond swiftly. Projects like EURMARS and AI4COPSEC are pioneering these multi-agency security capabilities across Europe.

Marine ecosystem degradation due to pollution, overfishing, and coastal development undermines long-term economic resilience. Sentinel-2 and PRISMA hyperspectral data support biodiversity monitoring, habitat change detection, and pollution source tracing. EMODnet Seabed Habitats and Chemistry portals further validate EO insights. NECCTON and Blue-Cloud 2026 projects are enhancing ecosystem models with EO inputs to help track trophic health, inform policy, and support nature-based solutions.

Port authorities and logistics operators require accurate environmental intelligence for navigation, congestion management, and emissions control. EO-derived data, such as from Sentinel-5P (air quality monitoring) and Sentinel-6 (sea level data), can help predict storm surges, support berthing logistics, and monitor sulphur emissions compliance. The CONNECT Tagus system in Portugal demonstrates real-time coastal condition integration for port management and climate resilience planning.

Coastal and pelagic fisheries are vulnerable to habitat shifts and climate variability, while the tourism sector depends on healthy, accessible marine environments. EO enables algal bloom prediction (via Sentinel-3 chlorophyll data), fish stock modelling (via ocean colour and temperature trends), and beach erosion mapping (via Sentinel-2). The SYROCO project in Romania provides a real-time pollution warning system protecting aquaculture zones, ensuring seafood safety and industry viability.

Rising sea levels, erosion, and storm events threaten infrastructure and economic security along coasts. Sentinel-6 and SWOT support detailed sea-level and coastal topography monitoring, essential for resilience planning. EO-derived flood models help inform insurance risk, adaptation planning, and early warning systems. Coastal cities and tourism boards can now access risk dashboards built from EO-driven digital twins such as those under Destination Earth (DestinE).