Marine Delivery Routemap

The seabed and coastline are critical for the UK’s economy, nature restoration and the delivery of net zero commitments. It supports a huge range of activities and industries on which we all depend. As these demands continue to grow, so does the need for a long-term, holistic approach to managing this critical resource. This means that sectors cannot be viewed in isolation, but need to be seen as part of a bigger, interconnected network of interests, alongside the need to tackle biodiversity loss and nature recovery.

The Crown Estate is launching the Marine Delivery Routemap as its new digital platform designed to dynamically model and map potential use scenarios for the seabed and coastline around England, Wales and Northern Ireland over coming decades. 

A pro-active, co-ordinated approach built on evidence

Delivering sustainable growth requires a more coordinated, systems-led approach underpinned by deep evidence.

The Marine Delivery Routemap will be underpinned by our Whole of Seabed evidence base. This combines our spatial mapping expertise, digital capabilities, an overview of seabed demands across sectors and nature, and inputs from industry and stakeholders to digitally map the seabed resource needed to meet future objectives – supporting vital industries, clean power and nature recovery for the long-term. Find out more about Whole of Seabed Programme here.

We are also identifying in advance the data and evidence needs across critical sectors and nature, and how we can address these through research, shared forums and collaborations (see our Offshore Wind Evidence and Change Programme).

The Routemap will deliver: 

• The first-ever digital and interactive map for the seabed and coastline built on our world-class spatial mapping and digital expertise. 

• A long-term tool to help identify when and where key infrastructure and supply chain investments are needed, providing forward visibility for investors. 

• A shared evidence base for the seabed and coastline that reflects existing policies and regulation and is informed by delivery partners. 

Working in partnership

Crucially, the creation of a Marine Delivery Routemap will require continued collaboration. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to refine our understanding and develop a world-class whole system approach that creates lasting and shared prosperity for the nation.

Publications

As we continue to build the Marine Delivery Routemap, we intend to work with stakeholders and partners to bring forward focused updates on each sector, looking at how they can evolve over the years ahead.

The first of these is Future of Offshore Wind – Considerations for development and leasing to 2030 and beyond. This takes a look at our early thinking on the ‘what, when, where and how’ for future seabed development, alongside potential associated enabling and de-risking activity, to support the offshore wind industry in meeting potential demand out to 2040.

Further publications are planned in due course on other key sectors, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) and minerals. We will also be taking a more detailed look at our approach to nature, including how we can continue working in collaboration with others to deliver restoration and recovery.