Founded in Norway, Serving the World

HUB Ocean was founded in 2019 by the Aker Group and the World Economic Forum. Since then it has always been on a journey to create a more transparent and accountable world through unlocking the power of ocean data.

About Us

HUB Ocean is a non-profit tech foundation working to change the fate of the ocean by unlocking the power of data. Our flagship product, the Ocean Data Platform (ODP), enables users to discover, share, and apply ocean insights at scale.

Mission

We are on a mission to change the fate of the ocean by unleashing the power of data, technology and collaboration.

Vision 

Through fit-for-purpose data and technology, we compel decision-makers to steer a better course for ocean health.

Foundational Partnerships

We work at the intersection of industry, government and science.

Founded by

We were born out of a collaboration between the World Economic Forum and the Aker Group. .

Leading

We lead the Ocean Data Action Coalition of the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel) in partnership with Microsoft and Accenture.

Supporting

The support the UN Ocean Decade of Ocean Science through our role in the Corporate Data Group (CDG).

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the Ocean Data Platform (ODP)

  • The Ocean Data Platform (ODP) is developed by HUB Ocean, an independent, non-profit foundation initiated by the Norwegian industrial Aker Group and the World Economic Forum. HUB Ocean works independently with governments, scientists, NGOs, and industry partners. Our mission is to use data to transform ocean industries, and to protect and restore the ocean, together with our sister organization REV Ocean. We support the Decade of Ocean Science and Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).

  • HUB Ocean is funded through a mix of public grants, philanthropic contributions, industry partnerships, and international collaborations. The foundation operates independently with governance that ensures neutrality and scientific integrity. For more information, please refer to HUB Ocean’s annual report available here.

  • Data safety: ODP uses industry-standard security and access controls. Sensitive or licensed data is handled carefully, while open data remains accessible.

    Access Control: Datasets are classified as Published/ Public (Shared to anyone)/ Shared to you /Private. The users cannot access others private datasets. 

    Encryption: API Key grants access to the ODP API and SDK. API key is convenient when users don’t have browser access and can be integrated with standalone scripts. API Key has 6 month expiration date. Any application which integrates with ODP will be through Client ID/Client Secret with a default validation of 12 months

  • Open datasets on ODP will always remain free. HUB Ocean is a non-profit, so the mission is to keep access open. Some premium services or private collaborations may involve costs, like extended compute and storage options, but the core open platform is free.

  • ODP combines datasets from trusted open sources, industry partners, and user-contributed content. We check that all datasets have proper source attribution, licensing, metadata, and copyright.

    Ocean data is complex:

    • Some datasets are raw observations, others are processed into standard formats (like Darwin Core for biodiversity data).

    • Quality can be excellent for one purpose but not another. It is up to the user to check whether a dataset is fit for their use case.

    Examples:

  • Signing in allows you to:

    • Access collaborative workspaces to analyze, store, and share data projects

    • Track usage rights and licensing correctly

    • Personalize your experience and keep your work safe

    • Ensure secure access to datasets with restrictions

    This makes ODP both open and secure, while enabling collaboration between researchers, industry, and NGOs. We continue to evaluate how to open up the platform for maximum usefulness for science and we welcome your feedback (link to email/form)

  • ODP is used by the public, researchers, policymakers, NGOs, industry, and international organizations for science, sustainability, and innovation.

  • Because ODP provides standardized, interoperable formats and APIs, it can serve as a powerful backend for external application,  or to integrate geospatial data into your local environment.

  • Yes. ODP is built on the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).

    Metadata

    • JSON metadata using schema.org: All datasets carry machine-readable metadata (in JSON, following schema.org), improving discoverability and integration.

    What it covers: provenance/ source, licensing & attribution, spatial/temporal coverage, and method notes—so users can judge fitness-for-purpose.

    Data

    • SDK & STAC API: Discover, search, and access datasets programmatically using our SDK and STAC-compatible API, making it easy to plug ODP into external tools and workflows.

    • Tabular format: We support an ODP tabular format for cross-tool analysis, alongside common tabular types.

    • Raw files welcome: ODP accepts raw, non-standardized files as well as standardized data, so different quality levels can coexist.

    • Geospatial services: Vector tiling and related services enable fast mapping and visualization of large ocean datasets.

    • Optional reformatting: When needed, datasets can be reformatted (e.g., to Darwin Core) for publishing to portals like OBIS/GBIF—this is possible, not required.

    This lets standardized and non-standardized data live together, while still being easy to find, integrate, and reuse.

  • Users are responsible for ensuring data is appropriate for their needs.
    See our Terms of Use for details

Meet our CEO

Kimberly Mathisen, Chief Executive Officer

Mathisen joined as CEO in 2022, coming from the role of General Manager of Microsoft Norway. She has 25+ years of experience in digitalization and technology, Branded Consumer Goods, Pharmaceuticals and Media leading across geographies in North America, Europe and Asia.

Kimberly Mathisen has extensive board experience and has been named one of Norway’s top female executives in technology and one of Norway’s most influential leaders.

Mathisen has a BS in engineering from the University of Illinois, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Team Members

  • Albert Salwa

    Software Engineer

  • Francesco Rivetti

    Staff Software Engineer

  • Gaia Felber

    Blue Finance Manager

  • Gustav Kågesten

    Director of Science

  • Ine Christin Lødemel

    Office Manager & Executive Assistant

  • Iren Magnussen-Kyseth

    Controller

  • Jo Øvstaas

    Director of Ocean Innovation

  • Laurence Janssens

    Chief Operation Officer

  • Martin Moen

    Chief Financial Officer

  • Matthew Whaley

    Data and Operations Manager

  • Max Romagnoli

    Geospatial Specialist

  • Merin Joseph

    Data Engineer

  • Niklas Larsson

    Head of Product, and Director of Data

  • Nima Ajdari

    Senior Software Engineer

  • Pingua Huang

    Director of Software Engineering

  • Pål Erik Lystad

    Senior Software Engineer

  • Sive Einarsson

    Communication and Project Advisor

  • Sharath Koovill

    Senior Software Engineer

  • Tara Zeynep Baris

    Product and Data Science Lead

  • Tom Redd

    Ocean Governance Manager

  • Trude Haukås

    Accountant

  • Vigdis Hvaal

    Director of Communication & People

Board of Directors

  • Stian Jenssen

    Stian Jenssen is a former diplomat and public servant. He has served in various position across the Norwegian civil service. Most recently he was chief of staff at NATO under Jens Stoltenberg, where he was instrumental in navigating an ever more challenging geopolitical environment. Mr. Jenssen joined the Aker group in October 2024 and is current partner and director of government affairs at Industry Capital Partners. He holds a BSc with Honors in International Relations from London School of Economics and Political Science, and master’s degree in International Politics from the University of Bradford.cription goes here

  • Nina Jensen

    Nina Jensen is the CEO of REV Ocean and is a tireless champion for promoting environmentally responsible solutions for the world’s Ocean. She started this position in 2018 after 12 years of positive impact in WWF-Norway (as Secretary-General since 2012). Nina has a burning commitment and passion for the Ocean, conservation and sustainable solutions. She holds a Master’s degree in Marine Biology from the University of Fishery Science in Tromsø, and has a background in communications and marketing from Ogilvy&Mather. She sits on a number of boards of directors, advisory boards, and high-level panels.

  • Elisabeth Brinton

    Elisabeth Brinton is an American business woman and global sustainability technology pioneer, having built 24 impact businesses for both corporate and private investors that commercialized and scaled new solutions across software, renewable energy, hydrogen, carbon reduction, electric mobility, trading, value-added produce, food safety and nature based solutions, including regenerative agriculture. Brinton is the CEO and owner of Serenity Spring Farm, based in Ocala, Florida. Most recently, Brinton built the profitable global Sustainability Business for Microsoft, where she was a corporate officer and member of the senior executive team.

  • Kjell Inge Røkke

    Kjell Inge Røkke is a Norwegian businessman and Aker ASA’s main owner and driving force in its development since the 1990s. Røkke launched his business career with the purchase of a 69-foot trawler in the United States in 1982 and gradually built a leading worldwide fisheries business. In 1996, the Røkke controlled company, RGI, purchased enough Aker shares to become Aker’s largest shareholder and later merged RGI with Aker. Røkke is currently the director and chairman of several Aker Companies.

We’re always seeking passionate and skilled individuals to come work with us

We post all our job openings on the HUB Ocean LinkedIn page

Strategic Partners

  • HubOcean-Partners-Accenture-logo

    Accenture

    Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security. Our 624,000 people deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity every day, serving clients in more than 120 countries. In line with the UNGC Sustainable Development Goals, we define sustainability as inclusive of everything from the environment and equality to technology and economics. We believe that sustainability will be the new digital, permeating everything we do and driving new value and growth.

  • Akastor

    Akastor is an oil-services investment company with a portfolio of industrial and financial holdings. The company has a flexible mandate for active ownership and long-term value creation. Aker Holding AS, which is owned by Aker ASA, is the largest shareholder of Akastor with a shareholding of 36.7 percent.

    Akastor holds a broad portfolio of industrial and financial holdings within various industry segments.

  • Aker ASA

    Aker ASA is an industrial investment company that exercises active ownership. As an active owner, Aker develops and strengthens the companies in its portfolio, working through the boards of the operational entities and ensuring close follow-up by Aker’s investment teams. Aker drives operational improvements, strategy, financing, restructuring and industrial transactions forward. Aker organises its business activities in two segments: Industrial holdings and Financial investments and was listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange on 8 September 2004.

  • HubOcean-Partners-AkerBiomarine

    Aker BioMarine

    Aker BioMarine is a biotech innovator and Antarctic krill harvesting company dedicated to improving human and planetary health. It develops krill-based ingredients for nutraceutical, aquaculture, and animal feed applications. Its value chain is fully transparent from sustainable krill harvesting in pristine Antarctic waters, through its Montevideo logistics hub, their Houston production plant, and all the way to customers around the world.

  • HubOcean-Partners-AkerBP

    AkerBP

    AkerBP conducts exploration and production of oil and gas on the Norwegian shelf. Measured in production, they are among the largest independent listed oil companies in Europe, operating five assets: Alvheim, Ivar Aasen, Skarv, Ula and Valhall; and a partner in Johan Sverdrup. Aker BP aims to be among the operators with the lowest CO2 emissions, with a robust, fair and ethically responsible business practice crucial for its success. Aker BP is a sponsor of HUB Ocean.

  • AkerHorizon

    Aker Horizons develops green energy and green industry that accelerate the net zero transition. The company holds assets across renewable energy and carbon capture, and develops green industrial hubs that combine low-cost renewable energy with hydrogen production and downstream applications. As part of the Aker group and its 180-year industrial heritage, Aker Horizons applies industrial, technological and capital markets expertise to solve fundamental challenges to sustainable existence.

  • HubOcean-Partners-AkerSolutions

    Aker Solutions

    Aker Solutions wants to enable low-carbon oil and gas production and develop renewable solutions. By combining innovative digital solutions and predictable project execution and accelerating the transition to sustainable energy production. Aker Solutions aims to be a supplier that accelerates the transition to sustainable energy production, operating in ways that enhance society and the environment—delivering integrated solutions, products and services to the global energy industry.

  • HubOcean-Partners-BAHR

    BAHR

    The Norwegian law firm BAHR is a top choice for international mandates and innovative deals, with an excellent reputation as one of the elite firms across both the Nordics and internationally. Their expertise spreads across a wide range of industry groups and public sector organisations. BAHR is shaping future legislation, regulatory practice, policies, and public opinion across the industry by actively engaging with law and policymakers.

  • Cognite

    Cognite is a global industrial Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) leader, with an eye on the future and a drive to digitalize the industrial world. We’ve created a new class of industrial software that allows asset-intensive industries to operate more sustainably, securely, and efficiently. Our core software product is Cognite Data Fusion (CDF), designed to quickly contextualize OT/IT data to develop and scale company solutions.We believe data must be made accessible, insightful, and open.

  • DNB

    DNB is Norway's largest financial services group, one of the largest in the Nordic region in terms of market capitalisation and Norway´s leading financial institution for ocean industries. he Group offers a full range of financial services, including loans, savings, advisory services, insurance and pension products for retail and corporate customer

  • HubOcean-Partners-Global-fishing-watch

    Global Fishing Watch

    Global Fishing Watch is an independent, international non-profit organisation. They promote ocean sustainability through greater transparency of human activity at sea. Creating and publicly sharing map visualisations, data and analysis tools, and using cutting-edge technology to turn big data into actionable information.

  • HubOcean-Partners-IODE

    IODE

    The programme International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO aims to enhance marine research, exploitation, and development by facilitating the exchange of oceanographic data and information, meeting users' needs for data and information products.

  • Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS)

    The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping is a not-for-profit, independent research- and development center working across the energy- and shipping sectors with industry, academia, and authorities. With Partners, the Center explores viable decarbonization pathways, facilitates the development and implementation of new energy technologies; builds confidence in new concepts and their supply chains; and accelerates the transition by defining and maturing viable strategic pathways to the required systemic change. The Center is placed in Copenhagen but work with partners globally.

  • HubOcean-Partners-Mercuria

    Mercuria

    Mercuria is one of the largest independent energy and commodity groups globally, bringing efficiency to the commodity value chain with cutting-edge technology and unmatched expertise and solutions. Their business includes trading flows, strategic assets, and structuring activities that generate around USD 100 billion in turnover. Mercuria continues to expand its reach through its employees’ unique and extensive market knowledge, unwavering commitment to sustainability and diversity, and innovative energy and commodities solutions.

  • HubOcean-Partners-Microsoft

    Microsoft

    Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more. Microsoft has been carbon neutral across the world since 2012 and commits to being carbon negative by 2030. Their goal is to promote sustainable development and low-carbon business practices globally through its sustainable business practices and cloud-enabled technologies.

  • HubOcean-Partners-NHO

    NHO

    The Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO) is Norway’s largest organization for employers and the leading business lobbyist. Their main objective is to create and sustain conditions that safeguard the competitiveness and profitability of business and industry in Norway.

  • HubOcean-Partners-The-North-Allianz

    The North Alliance

    NoA is a leading creative tech and data- design and communication agencies network in the Nordics. A cross-disciplinary approach to problem-solving helps a wide range of clients from diverse industries and segments locally and internationally to drive growth and impact by creating advanced digital products and platforms, sustainable business models, interactive experiences and compelling storytelling. Their digital agency NoA Ignite has been instrumental in designing and building The Ocean Data Platform since its establishment.

  • HubOcean-Partners-NTNU

    NTNU

    The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has an international focus with headquarters in Trondheim and campuses in Ålesund and Gjøvik. The main profile of NTNU is in science and technology, but includes professional study programmes and outstanding academic breadth, including the humanities, social sciences, economics, medicine, health sciences, educational science, architecture, entrepreneurship, and art disciplines.

  • HubOcean-Partners-OPS Sjømat-Logo

    OPS Sjømat

    OPS Seafood is the connection box for digitisation and data sharing between stakeholders in the seafood industry. OPS Seafood stands for public and private sector development and contributes to value creation in the Seafood industry. It is organised by an advisory committee composed of representatives from the Department of Trade and Fishery, the Norwegian Seafood Association, and the Seafood Federation.

  • HubOcean-Partners-Sintef-logo

    SINTEF Ocean

    SINTEF is one of Europe’s largest independent research organisations. Every year we carry out several thousand projects for customers large and small.  SINTEF Ocean conducts research and innovation related to ocean space for national and international industries. Their ambition is to continue Norway's leading position in marine technology and biomarine research.

  • HubOcean-Partners-UIT

    UiT

    University of Tromsø (UiT), The Arctic University of Norway is the third largest and the northernmost university in the world. The Arctic is of increasing global importance, which the UiT takes special interest in, particularly in topics of great public concern like climate change, the exploitation of Arctic resources and environmental threats.

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