Situated in the heart of the Coral Triangle in the Pacific Ocean, Papua New Guinea is home to one of the most geographically and ecologically diverse marine territories. The partnership will strengthen hydrographic cooperation and data sharing between Seabed 2030 and NMSA, enhancing mapping efforts across the region.

Seabed 2030 is a collaborative project between The Nippon Foundation and the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO), which seeks to inspire the complete mapping of the world’s ocean by 2030, and to compile all the data into the freely available GEBCO Ocean Map. The Project is formally endorsed as a Decade Action of the UN Ocean Decade. GEBCO is a joint program of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and is the only organization with a mandate to map the entire ocean floor.

The new partnership will see the two parties work collaboratively in areas including data acquisition, knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement—key pillars in supporting both national and international maritime priorities.

Commenting on the announcement Seabed 2030 Director Jamie McMichael-Phillips said: “Papua New Guinea plays a pivotal role in the Pacific, and we are delighted to welcome NMSA as a partner.

“Their commitment to improving maritime safety and sustainability strongly aligns with our mission. Working together, we can accelerate mapping efforts in the Pacific and support its vital contribution to global ocean knowledge, sustainable development and ocean stewardship.”

Nicholas Pion, Hydrography Manager at NMSA, said: “This partnership represents an exciting step forward for Papua New Guinea’s hydrographic ambitions. We are proud to collaborate with Seabed 2030, contributing data and expertise that will enhance understanding of our waters and support informed ocean management.”

All data collected and shared with the Seabed 2030 project is included in the free and publicly available GEBCO global grid.