Seabed 2030 & Greenroom Robotics Partner to Advance Autonomous Ocean Mapping

The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project has entered into a formal partnership with Greenroom Robotics to enhance the efficiency of global bathymetric data collection.

This collaboration focuses on utilizing artificial intelligence-enabled perception and autonomy software to support safer and more environmentally responsible maritime operations. Greenroom Robotics provides hardware-agnostic solutions designed to modernize maritime workflows through enhanced situational awareness. These technologies support both uncrewed and optimally crewed vessel operations, which facilitates more persistent and scalable data collection across the world’s oceans.

The Seabed 2030 Project is a joint initiative between The Nippon Foundation and the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO). As a formally endorsed Decade Action of the UN Ocean Decade, the project aims to compile all available bathymetric data into the freely accessible GEBCO Ocean Map. GEBCO remains the only organization with a mandate to map the entire ocean floor and operates as a joint program of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).

The integration of autonomous systems into hydrographic surveying allows for high-quality data collection at a significantly larger scale. These digital systems enable survey operations to be conducted via smaller vessels with reduced crew requirements, expanding mapping coverage into both coastal and remote regions. In practical applications, this autonomous approach has demonstrated a 94% reduction in diesel consumption compared to traditional crewed survey tasks, highlighting a shift toward more sustainable mapping practices.

Jamie McMichael-Phillips, Seabed 2030 Director Jamie McMichael-Phillips, said, “Achieving the ambitious goal of mapping the entire ocean floor requires continued innovation in the technologies used to collect and process bathymetric data. Partnerships with organisations such as Greenroom Robotics help advance the capabilities needed to make ocean mapping more efficient, scalable and accessible.”

James Keane, Chief Executive Officer of Greenroom Robotics, commented, “We are proud to partner with Seabed 2030 in support of the global effort to map the ocean floor.By modernising maritime operations with autonomous and digitally integrated technologies, we can help make ocean mapping safer, cleaner and more efficient. We’re looking forward to supporting the collection of high-quality data that contributes to this important global initiative and helps safeguard our oceans for the future.”

All bathymetric data gathered through this partnership will be incorporated into the GEBCO global grid, ensuring the information remains public and freely available to the international community.