This episode features Pierre Bahurel, Director General of Mercator Ocean International, on the Copernicus Marine Service at its 10th anniversary. He reflects on its growth from a French initiative into a pan-European service providing free, reliable forecasts to hundreds of thousands of users worldwide.
Pierre highlights the transition from research to operations, the challenge of handling vast ocean models, and the importance of open data. He also looks ahead to the European Digital Twin of the Ocean, which will enable on-demand simulations and broaden access beyond experts.
At the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, Mercator showcased this vision while beginning its shift to an intergovernmental organisation. Pierre closes by stressing how Copernicus Marine underpins global cooperation and contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.