The project is based on the use of underwater drones combined with artificial intelligence and advanced analytics, capable of capturing high-resolution images of the seabed. Through this non-invasive sensing approach, the digital twin will allow for the visualization and quantification of biodiversity, the calculation of biomass based on vegetation cover, and the estimation of blue carbonassociated with seaweed.

This project lays the foundation for the BCN Port Innovation Foundation to have a unified digital platform that centralizes all information on port biodiversity and facilitates its long-term monitoring.

With this initiative, Fujitsu reinforces its commitment to developing its own technology with social and environmental impact, aligned with the objectives of climate neutrality and the protection of marine ecosystems, and consolidates its role as a technology partner in sustainable innovation projects in Spain.

Fujitsu and the BCN Port Innovation Foundation plan to carry out the proof of concept in the Port of Barcelona during 2026.

A new approach to measuring and conserving marine biodiversity

Global marine ecosystems face a severe crisis as a result of global warming and ocean pollution. The European Union is accelerating its efforts to conserve and restore the marine environment, especially following the adoption in 2024 of the Nature Restoration Act, which mandates the recovery of marine ecosystems.

By integrating AI-enabled underwater data acquisition with advanced analytics, the Ocean Digital Twin transforms how marine ecosystems are measured, understood, and managed. Autonomous surface and underwater vehicles follow optimized survey routes with real-time stabilization control, enabling consistent and repeatable seafloor data acquisition and generating high-quality information suitable for AI processing.

Machine learning models transform this data into quantitative environmental intelligence, estimating vegetation cover, assessing habitat extent, and calculating blue carbon sequestration. The technology also provides precise spatial data on seabed conditions, habitat distribution, and species types, creating a robust empirical foundation for the design and evaluation of conservation, restoration, and regeneration projects.

Furthermore, the system allows for the continuous monitoring of multiple plant species, enabling the analysis of the evolution of the ecosystem over time and the anticipation of possible impacts derived from both climate change and port activity.

 

Environmental simulation and data-driven decision making

The platform developed by Fujitsu allows for the simulation of hypothetical scenarios (“what if”), facilitating the pre-implementation verification of environmental measures and helping to prioritize investments based on their actual impact. Thanks to the creation of a high-fidelity digital model, port authorities can identify priority areas for conservation, as well as zones suitable for environmental restoration or rehabilitation.

This simulation capability makes the digital twin a key tool for balancing port activity with the preservation of the natural environment, facilitating the design of more sustainable infrastructure and operations. Following a successful Proof of Concept (PoC), Fujitsu and the BCN Port Innovation Foundation will be able to collaborate to incorporate new simulation scenarios focused on regeneration and preservation into the project.

Blue economy, transparency and social commitment

Beyond environmental conservation, the project could open new opportunities within the blue economy, facilitating the potential development of marine research initiatives, environmental education, and science outreach activities.

Furthermore, the visual and immersive nature of the digital twin reinforces transparency and awareness, helping to bring knowledge of the marine environment closer to different stakeholder groups and fostering a greater understanding of the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems.

Ángeles Delgado, president of Fujitsu Spain and Portugal, points out: “This project demonstrates how technology can become a true ally of sustainability. The ocean digital twin allows us to transform complex data from the marine environment into actionable information to protect biodiversity, promote blue carbon initiatives, and make evidence-based decisions.”

Grades

1. Blue Economy: Simultaneously achieving economic growth, job creation and environmental preservation through the sustainable use of marine resources.

2. Blue carbon: Carbon captured by coastal and marine ecosystems through photosynthesis and subsequently stored in the seabed and deep ocean.