Northwest Shelf Marine Forecasting System

General Information

The Northwest Shelf Marine Forecasting System (MFC) is a critical component of the COPERNICUS Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS), providing regular and systematic information about the physical state of the ocean and marine ecosystems in the Northwest European Shelf region. The NWS-MFC delivers high-resolution analyses, 10-day forecasts, and reanalyses, offering detailed insights into ocean circulation, sea surface temperature, salinity, sea level, waves, and biogeochemical processes.
The project integrates cutting-edge ocean models and observational data to deliver operational oceanography products that support a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, industry, and scientists.
The NWS-MFC framework includes:
1. High-resolution numerical modeling: Producing ocean forecasts and reanalyses using state-of-the-art hydrodynamic and biogeochemical models.
2. Data assimilation and quality control: Incorporating in situ and satellite observations to enhance model accuracy and reliability.
3. Product dissemination and stakeholder engagement: Ensuring accessibility of data products and services tailored to diverse user needs.
4. Service evolution and innovation: Continuously improving methodologies to address emerging scientific and operational challenges.
HEREON contributes to the production of MYP (Multi Year Products) for the NWS. HEREON serves as the scientific expert and responsible ocean reporting and Ocean Monitoring Indicators (OMIs), providing regular assessments of the ocean state and long-term trends such as temperature, salinity, and circulation variability. This role supports the development of actionable insights for climate adaptation, marine policy, and sustainable resource management.
Through its expertise in ocean forecasting and its contributions to service evolution and the Digital Twin of the Ocean (DTO) framework, HEREON ensures that the NWS-MFC remains at the forefront of innovation. This collaborative effort provides essential tools and knowledge for sustainable management and climate resilience in the Northwest European Shelf region.

EU-Programme Acronym and Subprogramme Area	COPERNICUS Ocean (CMEMS)
Project Type	COPERNICUS Tender
Contract Number	24252L03-COP-MFC NWS
Co-ordinator	Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie BSH (DE)

Funding for the Project (€)	Funding for Hereon (€)
4,589 ,509	1,045,000

Contact Person at Hereon

Dr. Joanna Staneva, Institute of Coastal Systems - Analysis and Modeling, Hydrodynamics and Data Assimilation, KSD, Phone: +49 (0)4152 87-1804 E-mail contact

Participants

Bundesamt für Seeschiffahrt und Hydrographie (DE), Met Office (UK), Plymouth Marine Laboratory (UK)

Last Update: 17. October 2025