Based on the degree of connectivity between uses and resource sharing, Schupp et al. (2019), divide the multi-use types into four categories: 

1) subsequent use/repurposing, 
2) co-existence, 
3) symbiotic use and 
4) multi-purpose/multifunctional.  

The MUSES project developed an Multi-Use Action Plan that includes a list of ocean multi-use combinations that are of high relevance across the EU sea basins:

1. Tourism, fisheries and environmental protection
2. Tourism and aquaculture
3. Tourism, underwater cultural heritage and environmental protection
4. Offshore wind farm (OWF) and tourism
5. OWF and aquaculture
6. OWF and fisheries
7. Oil & Gas Decommissioning – Repurposing
8. Offshore wind and marine renewable energy
9. Offshore wave energy and aquaculture

This is not an exclusive list of possible multi-use combinations. The concept of multi-use (MU) can take various forms and involve a wide range of maritime sectors and sub-sectors.

If you’re interested in further exploring possible multi-use combinations, be sure to visit the “Co-existence and Multi-use of Activities” section on the EU MSP Platform, and the Multi-Use Compendium. 

The “Co-existence and Multi-use of Activities” section features an interactive dashboard where you can click on various multi-use combinations and view real-life examples:

The MSP Platform also offers a compendium, that provides a collection of real-world or pilot-stage multi-use case studies (including co-existence and co-use) with lessons learnt, enabling interested parties (stakeholders) and decision-makers to stay informed about current initiatives, challenges and strategies for developing multi-use between maritime activities at sea.

Sources:

1. Schupp, M., et al. “Toward a Common Understanding of Ocean Multi-Use.” Frontiers in Marine Science, vol. 6, Apr. 2019
2. MULTI-FRAME Project. (2023). Ocean Multi-Use Toolkit. s.Pro – sustainable projects GmbH. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10565197
3. Lukic, I., Drews-von Ruckteschell, F., Santjer, R., Declercq, A., Strothotte, E., & Staufenberger, T. (2023). Ocean Multi-Use Blueprints Collection. s.Pro – sustainable projects GmbH. Funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme (Grant Agreement No. 862915).
4. Schultz-Zehden, A., Lukic, I., Ansong, J. O., Altvater, S., Bamlett, R., Barbanti, A., … Buchanan, B. (2018). Ocean Multi-Use Action Plan, MUSES project. Marine Scotland.
5. Co-existence and multi-use of activities: https://maritime-spatial-planning.ec.europa.eu/msp-resources/co-existence-and-multi-use-activities
6. Multi-use and co-existence compendium: https://maritime-spatial-planning.ec.europa.eu/co-existance-activities-and-multi-use/multi-use-compendium