The user organisation
The University of Southampton and its Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute is a major European centre for oceanography and marine geoscience. The Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI) is the largest entity of its kind in the world, with expertise in everything from naval architecture to social sciences and work to address issues in the natural ocean environment (marine) and human use of the sea (maritime).
Challenges faced by the user
A Master’s student (Cedric Muscat) performed an undergrad project at the University of Southampton that focused on identifying optimal locations for offshore wind energy. Exploring renewable energy solutions, the research leverages Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis to identify optimal locations for offshore wind farms within Malta's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This study utilised EMODnet Bathymetry, alongside additional EMODnet thematics, underpinning the strategic placement of offshore wind farms.
The student was supervised by Prof. Susan Gourvenec and Dr Hugo Putuhena from the University of Southampton and its Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute. I collaborated with various stakeholders in public and private sectors to harness a myriad of spatial datasets through an advanced GIS analysis framework.
The challenge was multifaceted: identifying suitable locations for offshore wind turbines amid the complex marine environments of Malta, characterised by varying depths, dense maritime activity, and ecological constraints. High-resolution data across multiple parameters was crucial for a comprehensive spatial analysis.
EMODnet services used
Of the 10 total datasets used, this project integrated seven critical datasets from EMODnet, enhancing the analysis significantly:
EMODnet Bathymetry: For detailed depth profiles.
EMODnet Geology’s Seabed Substrate: To understand sediment distribution, critical for choosing the appropriate anchorage system.
EMODnet Human Activities’ Vessel Density: Monthly averages helped assess maritime traffic impacts.
EMODnet Geology’s Pre-Quaternary Faults: For geological features impacting site stability.
EMODnet Human Activities’ Power & Telecommunication Cables: To avoid infrastructure conflicts.
EMODnet Human Activities’ Special Protected Areas and Conservation Areas: To ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Impact of EMODnet
Utilising these datasets from EMODnet allowed for a precise and comprehensive assessment of potential offshore sites. The enhanced data coverage facilitated more accurate modeling, supporting sustainable site selection that balances energy production with ecological, geological, environmental and economic considerations.
The integration of multiple EMODnet datasets was pivotal, providing a robust foundation for the GIS-based analysis. This approach not only refined the identification process for potential wind farm sites but also reinforced the role of data-driven decisions in marine spatial planning. This model showcased the importance of a multifaceted approach in offshore installations, setting a precedent for future projects within and beyond the Mediterranean.
"Utilising EMODnet's comprehensive marine datasets significantly enhanced the precision of my GIS analysis for offshore wind sites, enabling a more effective and environmentally sensitive approach to marine spatial planning." – Cedric Muscat, University of Southampton
"EMODnet's provision of open-access data facilitates GIS research in marine spatial planning, driving innovation and supporting the development of green energy solutions."
– Dr Hugo Putuhena, Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute
© Cedric Muscat – Illustrations by author showing EMODnet thematics used. All rights reserved.