AI, underwater drones, and advanced analytics aim to protect biodiversity and support the growing blue economy at the Port of Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain / Kawasaki, Japan, 4 March 2026 – Fujitsu and the BCN Port Innovation Foundation have partnered to launch a new technology project designed to help restore and protect marine ecosystems at the Port of Barcelona. The initiative will focus on developing a proof of concept for an ocean digital twin, a digital model that can accurately represent and monitor underwater environments.
The agreement, signed between Fujitsu Spain and the BCN Port Innovation Foundation, marks an important step toward combining advanced technology with environmental protection. The project aims to support marine biodiversity, improve environmental monitoring, and contribute to the development of the blue economy.
The ocean digital twin project will use underwater drones equipped with artificial intelligence and advanced analytics tools. These drones will capture high-resolution images and data from the seabed without disturbing marine life. The collected information will then be used to build a digital model that can visualize and measure marine ecosystems.
Through this technology, researchers and port authorities will be able to analyze biodiversity levels, estimate marine vegetation coverage, and calculate biomass. The system can also estimate blue carbon, which refers to carbon captured and stored by marine plants such as algae and other coastal vegetation.
The digital twin platform will also allow the BCN Port Innovation Foundation to create a centralized system that gathers and organizes all biodiversity data from the port area. This unified digital platform will help scientists and authorities track changes in the marine environment over time and make better decisions to protect ocean ecosystems.
The project is expected to be carried out throughout 2026 at the Port of Barcelona. If the proof of concept is successful, the platform may expand to include environmental simulations and additional conservation tools.
One of the most innovative features of the system is its ability to simulate different environmental scenarios. Using real-time data and digital modeling, the platform can test “what if” situations before real actions are taken. This will help decision-makers understand the possible environmental impact of port activities and identify areas that need restoration or protection.
The ocean digital twin technology also helps track different plant species in the seabed and monitor ecosystem changes caused by climate change, pollution, or port operations. By analyzing long-term environmental trends, the platform could support better planning for sustainable port infrastructure and operations.
Beyond conservation, the project may also create opportunities within the growing blue economy. Marine research programs, environmental education, and scientific awareness initiatives could benefit from the detailed digital visualization of underwater ecosystems.
The visual and interactive nature of the digital twin can also improve transparency by making environmental data easier to understand for researchers, policymakers, and the public. This could encourage stronger collaboration between technology companies, scientists, and port authorities working to protect coastal ecosystems.
According to Ángeles Delgado, president of Fujitsu Spain and Portugal, the initiative highlights the growing role of technology in environmental sustainability. She explained that ocean digital twin technology can transform complex marine data into practical insights that help protect biodiversity and support climate-focused initiatives.
Fujitsu continues to strengthen its role in sustainable technology innovation through projects that combine artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital infrastructure. The company’s broader goal is to support climate neutrality and environmental protection through digital transformation.
BCN Port Innovation, a public-private collaboration between the Port of Barcelona and the business ecosystem, focuses on developing innovative solutions for logistics, mobility, energy transition, and port operations. Digitalization and sustainability remain key priorities for the initiative.
With the introduction of the ocean digital twin project, the Port of Barcelona may become a model for how advanced technology can support marine conservation while maintaining modern port operations.
