Digital Twin-Like Applications

In July 2024, the pre-operational platform of the European Digital Twin Ocean was announced, showcasing its abilities to address pressing challenges from changing oceans. As a part of this platform, the CLIMAREST project has developed 4 digital twins of the oceanic areas near our demonstration sites. These localised models will be a part of the larger European Digital Twin Ocean, which will assist policymakers in proactively assessing oceanic changes for the development of better ocean stewardship and blue economy activities 1,2.

What are digital twins?

Our regional digital twins are tools created from a combination of local and open data to model "what-if" scenarios regarding ocean changes and activity. Our 4 regional twins will be able to model oceanic changes and their outcomes in the areas of our 5 CLIMAREST demonstration sites. Additionally, they will contribute to the overall European Digital Twin of the Ocean, a one stop shop for ocean data and digital services across EU ocean spaces.

Infographic introduction to the digital tools and the digital twin's place within them
Infographic introduction to the digital tools and the digital twin's place within them
Abstract,Digital,Ocean,With,Flowing,Particles,And,Upper,Light.,Cyber

What can I use digital twins for?

Predict how climate change and coastal socio-economic activities will affect marine ecosystems

Planning blue economy and other sea activities

Test effectiveness of blue and green infrastructure resilience to sea-level rise

Forthcoming usages in development

Why are the digital twins important?

Ocean knowledge more accessible to citizens, entrepreneurs, scientists, and policy-makers

Can be used to restore marine and coastal habitats

Help us adapt to climate change

Juan Lugilde & Ed Sheldo (Coastwatch and Fenit Conservation Group volunteer) working with seagrass seeds

References

1. The European Digital Twin Ocean Launched at the 2024 Digital Ocean Forum | CMEMS. (2025, June 27). https://marine.copernicus.eu/news/european-digital-twin-ocean-launched-2024-digital-ocean-forum
2. Digital Ocean Forum 2024. (n.d.). Events.Edito.Eu. Retrieved June 27, 2025, from https://events.edito.eu/2024-digital-ocean-forum
3. European Digital Twin of the Ocean (European DTO)—European Commission. (2024, June 13). https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/restore-our-ocean-and-waters/european-digital-twin-ocean-european-dto_en