The release of the latest grid figure, showing that 24.9% of the world�fs entire seabed has now been mapped, followed a series of recent announcements that The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project has teamed up with five new partners to complete the mapping of the entire ocean floor by the end of this decade. This has brought to 250 the total number of supporters that have signed on to Seabed 2030 from across government, industry, research institutions, academia, philanthropy and NPOs in more than 50 countries. Of these, Seabed 2030 has signed memoranda of understanding (MOU) with 39 entities to give the partnerships a more formal status. The five new supporters are the Nigerian Navy, NORBIT Oceans of Norway, Saildrone of the United States, and ecoSUB Robotics and ACUA Ocean, both of the United Kingdom. The partnership with the Nigerian Navy marks a significant milestone for Seabed 2030, as it is the first collaboration of its kind in Africa. The MOU signing took place in early May against the backdrop of the third International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Assembly on board the 65-meter MV White Rose of Drachs berthed in the Port of Cap d�fAil on the border between France and the principality of Monaco. The Nigerian Navy, which is among the largest navies on the African continent, brings valuable expertise and resources to the Seabed 2030 initiative. In addition to providing defense services, the navy acts as the sole national authority on hydrographic, charting and tidal matters. With the potential involvement of up to 20 vessels in the Nigerian fleet, the country�fs participation with the Seabed 2030 project will enable the project to expand its reach and make great strides in its vital goal. Mr. Jamie McMichael-Phillips, project director of Seabed 2030, said he was delighted to welcome the Nigerian Navy to join the valued network of partners, adding: �gThe expertise and resources offered by the navy greatly enhances our data collection capabilities. Together, we can advance understanding of the ocean floor and pave the way for a more sustainable future.�h Rear Admiral Chukwuemeka Ebenezer Okafor of the Nigerian Navy said: �gThe Nigerian Navy is pleased to partner with Seabed 2030 on this ambitious mission. We have a wealth of experience in oceanographic research and survey operations, and look forward to contributing to this global effort to better understand�|and ultimately protect�| the ocean.�h Under the partnership, which was also entered into during the IHO Assembly early in May in Monaco, NORBIT Oceans, a provider of underwater imaging and mapping technology, will strengthen the capabilities of Seabed 2030 and its network by providing innovative solutions involving bathymetric survey data sets, research voyages, as well as general survey activities. With a focus on providing technology solutions to global maritime markets, NORBIT Oceans is one of three segments within the global technology company NORBIT ASA, headquartered in Norway. NORBIT Oceans offers advanced solutions for seafloor mapping, environmental monitoring, tailored products for the aquaculture and security markets, as well as customized cables. Seabed 2030 Project Director McMichael-Phillips stated: �gNORBIT Oceans�f technology solutions and expertise in underwater imaging will be invaluable to our mission of mapping the entire ocean floor. This collaboration will bring us closer to achieving our ambitious goal, whilst advancing scientific understanding of the world�fs marine environment.�h Mr. John Fraser, NORBIT UK and Middle East Director, said: �gWe share Seabed 2030�fs values in social responsibility and sustainability. We�fre therefore delighted to join the project and support the delivery of its crucial objective, which is essential to the sustainable management of the planet.�h (To be continued)