In response to the demand for smart ocean construction, a digital twin technology system and application directions for the ocean are proposed. Firstly, the current research and development status of smart ocean is systematically reviewed and analyzed. By studying the integration and application of new generation information technology and industrial technology, the concept and connotation of digital twin are elaborated, and the application scenarios of digital twin in marine scientific cognition,marine development and utilization, the full life cycle of marine equipment and the ocean governance decision-making are provided. Then, in response to the common needs of smart ocean construction and application, a six-dimensional ocean digital twin model architecture theory is proposed, which includes six basic elements: real ocean, digital ocean, interactive mapping,twin ocean data, twin ocean knowledge, and twin intelligent application. Finally, key technical issues and implementation paths for empowering the smart ocean with digital twins are proposed and explored. The aim is to provide some thinking and reference for the future development and deep application of smart oceans through the research of marine digital twin technology.

smart ocean  /  digital twin  /  ocean digital twin six-dimensional model  /  ocean digital twin application