The subject matter of this contract concerns R&D activities focused on improving the model products of the Copernicus Marine Service in the seas area of the North-West Shelf of Europe. The service in this area must evolve by the end of 2023 due to a change of operator related to Brexit. The new products destined for this region will be manufactured according to the same models as those used for the products of the IBI zone (Iberia Biscay Irish). Copernicus Marine needs detailed studies on the quality of the corresponding forecasting and reanalysis products;studies to assess the impact of different types of lateral boundary conditions on the North Sea IBI model solution;Design studies focusing on the North Sea area to understand if and how this component of the Copernicus marine service needs to evolve. The result of these activities will shape the Copernicus offer in the North-East Atlantic and North Sea after 2024

validation/verification and comparison of forecasting and reanalysis products in the North Sea and other seas of the continental shelf of the IBI-NWS region for physics

validation/verification and intercomparison of forecasting and reanalysis products in the North Sea and other seas of the continental shelf of the IBI-NWS region for biogeochemistry

Baltic boundary studies of the IBI model

Design study of a high-resolution forecasting system for physics and biogeochemistry in the North Sea