This study presents the application of satellite techniques to derive marine phytoplankton primary production. A model is described, that gives a complete representation of the light field in the water column. The distribution of biomass and light are then combined at each depth for estimating the amount of carbon fixed through photosynthesis. Two other primary production models are implemented to serve as reference standards, and the three models are run on a global scale for the period 1997-2002. The comparison of the model estimates gives indication on the uncertainties associated with similar approaches. The model inter-comparison is completed by an extensive comparison of model outputs and in situ measurements for a varied set of marine ecosystems. In this process, the uncertainties associated with the models as well as some of the sources of discrepancies are better described.