Northern European Sea Basins project (NESBp) achievements June – December 2025.

Over the past months, NESBp Work Package 5 “Knowledge Sharing and Transfer” has continued to strengthen the informational foundations of MSP by advancing the DIK(W) (Data-Information-Knowledge-Wisdom) approach, transforming data into information, and information into usable knowledge.

Strong collaboration has characterised this period, with meetings and active exchanges with GNSBI, HELCOM-VASAB MSP WG, EMODnet, NSEC Shipping Group and several other EU initiatives. Together, these efforts aim to make MSP more transparent, better informed and more consistent across borders.

Navigation Safety in MSP

Surveys were launched to MSP planners, maritime authorities and navigation stakeholders across North and Baltic Sea Regions countries to assess: the integration of navigation safety in MSP plans, cooperation practices between MSP and navigation authorities, use of data, digital platforms, and geoportals, and needs for future tools and harmonisation. The outputs will guide improvements of the Navisafe tool, which aims to integrate navigation safety risks into clear spatial analyses supporting MSP.
We invite relevant stakeholders to fill in the survey and help advancing the NESBp work. Please find the link to the survey here.

Strengthening EMODnet Services

A detailed gap analysis compared EMODnet’s current datasets with MSP data clusters. Early results show good environmental coverage but highlight metadata inconsistencies and gaps in socio-economic and governance data. A joint survey with project task 5.3 is collecting feedback directly from practitioners. First discussions with EMODnet technical teams have already initiated potential metadata improvements, to be further explored with DG MARE in December 2025.
Follow the link to participate in the survey of the fit-for-use of EMODnet services for MSP and the assessment of the quality of information shared through MSP geoplatforms here.

Quality of information on MSP geoportals

A methodology to assess geoportal information quality has been completed and applied to three levels focusing mainly on offshore windfarm and nature protection: North Sea (GNSBI compendium), France (Géolittoral) and Baltic Sea. Interviews have already been conducted with 5 representatives from 4 MSP authorities from 3 countries, 5 experts from 3 technical organisations, 6 stakeholders from maritime economy, fisheries, offshore wind farm and environmental NGOs. This work will support the creation of clearer thematic maps and dashboards, helping the public and stakeholders better understand MSP issues. A workshop will be organised in April 2026.

Building the knowledge-sharing platform

A first working version of the GNSBI knowledge-sharing platform has been delivered. It integrates map layers, data catalogues and narrative content into a single viewer, using open-source technologies. Information will be displayed according to different user types: policy makers, MSP experts, sectorial actors and general public and categorised by DIK (Data-Information-Knowledge) level. Initial feedback from NESBp, GNSBI and HELCOM partners has been very positive, and further development is planned for 2026, including new content, improved functionality and refined user experience.

Looking ahead

Work Package 5 continues to strengthen the connection between planners, data experts and policymakers. Key achievements include the validation of the DIK(W) framework in Deliverable 5.1, the rollout of three major surveys, and the creation of a first-of-its-kind cross-basin knowledge platform.
The next steps will focus on enriching these tools to support a more coherent, accessible and future-ready MSP across the Greater North Sea Basin.

More about the NESB project’s Work Package 5 “Knowledge TRansfer and Sharing” here.

Read more about the NESB project: www.NESBproject.eu 

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the project consortium only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.