OCEAN MULTI-USE
Integrated solutions for an efficient use of marine and coastal resources
Unlocking environmental and economic benefits
Ocean multi-use is an innovative approach that involves intentional joint use of resources (physical space, platforms, logistics, etc.) by two or more users, such as offshore wind and sustainable aquaculture or nature restoration. It represents a radical change from the traditional concept of exclusive resource rights to inclusive sharing of resources by multiple users. This holistic approach to marine resources management can help reconcile different national priorities, such as energy security, marine protection and continuation of sustainable fishing tradition.
At SUBMARINER we bring together maritime stakeholders to jointly shape multi- use solutions that are both economically viable and have a positive impact on marine environment. We advocate for the integration of multi-use into maritime policy and spatial planning through dedicated stakeholder processes, zoning and permitting systems. Check out the Ocean Multi-Use Toolkit to learn how.
Discover our multi-use projects
We bring partners together to jointly develop innovative multi-use solutions and support planners and regulators to promote multi-use
Gutachten BSH
Nordic BioBuz
OLAMUR
FLORES
ULTFARMS
MULTI-FRAME
Factors limiting the implementation of multi-use
Many innovative multi-use concepts have been proposed by the marine planning, scientific and business communities and are being advocated for in a range of policies. Further, demonstrators across Europe are beginning to show the real benefits of multi-use solutions. Check out the Ocean Multi-Use Blueprints Collection for some inspirational examples of multi-use benefits worldwide.
Despite progress being made, functional multi-use developments remain few in number due to inadequate regulatory frameworks and a lack of knowledge about the potential environmental and economic impacts of such projects. At SUBMARINER we are working to address these gaps through our work. Check out the Ocean Multi-Use Assessment Framework for a stepwise approach to assessing the multi-use impacts and potential.
Multi-use resources hub
Our specialists have put together a collection of publications, additional relevant projects, tools, and resources on the topic of ocean multi-use
Latest multi-use news
Closing the MSP4BIO Chapter with Lasting Impact
Marine planners, policymakers, researchers, and sister projects came together for
MPA Community Network at UNOC 2025
On 11 June, The MPA Community Network hosted an interactive
MPA Community Network Has Launched
We’re excited to officially launch the MPA Community Network! Marine
SUBMARINER Network for Blue Growth EEIG at COP 29 in Baku
Last week, two of our flagship projects, Blue Connect and
Innovation Radar Recognises SUBMARINER Multi-Use Roadmap as a Key Innovator
The upcoming Ocean Multi-Use Commercialisation Roadmap created by the UNITED
Roadmap Set for the Blue Economy in the Western Baltic
Testing the Offshore Technologies of Tomorrow
Turning Aquaculture into Tourism Opportunities
UNITED project and its German pilot featured in German TV documentary
Still have questions? We have answers
What is Ocean Multi-Use?
Ocean Multi-Use (MU) refers to the sustainable and efficient utilization of ocean space by combining various ocean activities in close proximity, through joint operations, or on the same platform. This innovative approach seeks to reduce the demand for ocean space while offering potential socio-economic and environmental benefits. It involves integrating different ocean uses, such as renewable energy generation, aquaculture, shipping, tourism, and conservation, to optimize the use of marine resources. While Table 7 provides a more extensive definition of multi-use types based on the type of resources shared at any given time, it is important to note that these terms are often used interchangeably in the literature. Source
Why Multi-Use?
Demand for and pressure on ocean space and the environment is continuously increasing. Global megatrends such as population growth, climate change and environmental degradation require new blue solutions. Sustainable development of the ocean can no longer rely on single-sector management, but requires a more holistic, integrated approach. At the same time innovation and resulting new knowledge also provides new opportunities. MU solutions can lead to substantial benefits including:
- more efficient use of ocean space and resources by concentrating uses in one area and leaving other areas free for future generations;
- provide economic benefits to marine users from synergetic use, maximising the economic benefit from a certain area;
- enable certain uses to develop in maritime areas, where this would otherwise not be possible due to the dominance of other maritime uses;
- reduce the environmental impact of a given use by merging it with another activity;
- provide additional socio-economic benefits to the coastal region. Source
