Metocean is a field of expertise that combines physical oceanography and meteorological studies.

The term ‘metocean’ first originated in the oil and gas industry in the 1970s, however, following the growth of the coastal investments and offshore renewables sector, interest in understanding metocean conditions increases, particularly due to digitization. 

Metocean concerns understanding the air-sea interactions and the meteorological and oceanographic conditions in offshore, coastal engineering or renewable energy projects.

Understanding of these conditions requires access to data and analytics.

 Detailed quantitative insight into metocean conditions is essential for the success of marine an coastal projects, for example, the design of harbor structures, coastal protection, submarine pipelines and cables, offshore renewable energy farms or for operational purposes as navigation. Understanding the meteorological and oceanographic conditions removes ambiguity in engineering specifications and improves operational efficiencies as well as safety.