Looking for consortia - OCEAN - Maritime Spatial Planning ​Challenge

Since 2016, Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) has been developing the MSP Challenge (mspchallenge.info), a community-based, open-source initiative that innovates the way we discuss, learn, plan, and take decisions about our seas and oceans. Thousands of users worldwide have experienced the MSP Challenge, which integrates best-available geospatial, maritime, and marine data with simulation models for ecology (Ecopath with Ecosim), shipping, and energy production, all built with advanced game technology (Unity). The MSP Challenge suite consists of five complementary products:

The MSP Challenge Simulation Platform is a multi-user, interactive planning environment covering five European sea basins (North Sea, Baltic Sea, Adriatic Sea, Eastern Mediterranean Sea, and Clyde Marine Region). Multiple users simultaneously review dozens of data layers, sketch maritime spatial plans, run simulations over several decades, and monitor consequences through heat maps and indicators — supporting transboundary cooperation, stakeholder consultation, and scenario-based co-design. It is compatible with EU datasets such as Copernicus and EMODnet.

Immersive Ocean is a next-generation 3D ocean digital twin that transforms maritime spatial planning from static maps into an interactive, immersive experience. Available on PC and in virtual reality, it procedurally generates 3D marine environments from 2D geospatial data, overlays energy infrastructure, shipping routes, and species biomass, and enables scenario-based decision-making with customizable weather and environmental conditions. It connects directly to the MSP Challenge Simulation Platform and supports integration of external data through standard geospatial formats (GeoJSON, WFS, WMS, GeoTIFF).

AugGIS is a mixed-reality application that transforms complex GIS data into a collaborative 3D space using Meta Quest 3 passthrough technology and hand-tracking interactions. Developed as part of Interreg North Sea NORSAIC, it combines the social dynamics of around-the-table discussion with real-time marine data visualization, fostering natural dialogue among planners, stakeholders, and researchers.

GeoViz is a 3D oceanographic particle visualization platform that brings OpenDrift simulation data to life, rendering thousands of particle trajectories — microplastics, oil droplets, plankton, sediments — against photorealistic global terrain and high-resolution bathymetry powered by Cesium Ion. It handles massive datasets (20GB+, 45,000+ trajectories) and serves marine pollution tracking, environmental impact assessment, and ocean current analysis. Developed within EU H2020 ILIAD.

The MSP Challenge Board Game is a large-format (2.8 × 1.6m) physical board game for 12–30 players, available in seven languages, that puts participants around the table to experience maritime spatial planning hands-on — building ecosystem-based marine plans while negotiating conflicting interests in a safe, engaging learning environment.

Our tools and expertise have been developed and validated through major EU and national projects, including EU Horizon 2020 ILIAD, Interreg NORSAIC, Interreg NorthSEE, Interreg Baltic LINes, and MSPMED. Beyond the marine domain, BUas has broader research expertise in digital twins, virtual humans, serious games, and spatial planning innovation. This combination of marine domain knowledge, cutting-edge interactive and immersive technology, open-source philosophy, and a strong track record in transnational collaboration positions BUas as a valuable partner for EU Mission Ocean consortia seeking to bridge the gap between ocean science, policy, and society.