This new partnership aims to bring a new generation of climate‑resilient freshwater supply to theMediterranean.

In January we announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Eau d’Azur, the public utility responsible for water and sanitation services across the 51 municipalities of the Nice Métropolis.The agreement marks OceanWell’s first deployment of its deep sea water harvesting technology outside of the US as we look to deliver on our mission to deploy 15 water farms globally within the next decade, adding 1 MAF (1.2 bn m³)of new freshwater to the global supply.

Signed in Nice, this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to diversifying water supplies in the face of climate change with a new supply of high-quality drinking water, while protecting fragile marine ecosystems. Testing for the first deployment is set to begin in 2026, which will include the start of an independent environmental impact assessment.

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Why Nice and Why Now

Nice has made its intentions to become a hub for clean technologies and the Blue Economy clear, hosting Nice Climate summit in October 2024 and the United Nations Oceans Conference in June 2025 where it laid a clear benchmark for technologies that protect Earth’s most vital resource, the ocean. It’s been a territory we’ve shared a a clearly aligned vision with since our very first meeting and we’re proud to be advancing our technology there.

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Jamie Spots wood, Senior Director of Business Development at OceanWell says of the Nice partnership: Eau d’Azur is one of the most progressive water agencies globally, where environment-forward thinking is at the forefront of its long-term planning. Our alignment quickly became clear and we are delighted to move forward in this partnership, marking Nice as the first European testing site for our technology. Nice has a clear plan to safeguard its drinking water supply over the coming decades, but not if it comes at an environmental cost. That is why OceanWell exists and we are going to be making sure we demonstrate that philosophy in practice here.”The partnership between OceanWell and Eau d’Azur grew out of an economic mission to California in June 2024, when Team Nice Côte d’Azur identified strong potential forOceanWell’s technology in the Mediterranean region. With its internationally oriented maritime innovation ecosystem and strong local partners, Nice emerged as a natural home for OceanWell’s European expansion.

To support the project, OceanWell has established itsFrench headquarters in Nice under OceanWell France SAS, reinforcing its long‑term commitment to the region.  For Eau d’Azur, the collaboration represents an opportunity to explore new tools for water security as climate pressures intensify. The additional water supply; particularly cold water—acts as a powerful economic force multiplier, generating value wherever it is deployed. In this context, Nice is strategically positioning itself as a hub for the blue economy, offering the skilled workforce, institutional support, and innovation ecosystem necessary for OceanWell to thrive over the coming decades.

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From Pilot to Mediterranean Demonstrator

The first deployment  is intended to begin in 2026. During this period, the project will include:

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· An environmental impact assessment

· Ongoing marine ecosystem monitoring

· Site‑specific engineering and technical studies

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The long‑term vision is to secure a reliable, high‑quality freshwater supply for the region while safeguarding marine biodiversity at every turn.

Building on Momentum in California and Beyond

The French project builds on OceanWell’s progress inNorth America, where the company is advancing Water Farm 1 inCalifornia’s Santa Monica Bay in collaboration with seven regional water agencies. Together, these efforts underscore OceanWell’s global strategy:supplement strained water supplies with innovative infrastructure that is energy‑efficient, environmentally responsible, and adaptable to local needs.  As climate change reshapes how communities think about water, partnerships like the one between OceanWell andEau d’Azur point toward a more resilient future; one where technology, public utilities, and marine stewardship work hand in hand.  The Côte d’Azur project is more than a pilot. It is a signal that sustainable subsea water farming can play a meaningful role in securing freshwater for coastal communities around the world. 

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‍To learn more about OceanWell, visit oceanwellwater.com

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