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Read the news articles from Blue Cluster about innovative activities and expertise in the sustainable blue economy.

De visserij heeft zich ontwikkeld tot een technisch innovatieve bedrijfstak.

Inspiring working visit strengthens cross-border cooperation

On May 18, De Blauwe Cluster, together with several directors from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), visited the Southwest Netherlands Fisheries Innovation Center in Stellendam.

Alga-Care

Alga-Care explores the potential of microalgae in tackling fatty liver disease

ILVO, VUB and the University of Antwerp are joining forces to investigate natural compounds from microalgae that may help counter fatty liver disease. On 17 April, Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele officially launched the project.

NESB project

MariParks at sea: finding the balance between economy and ecosystem

How can different economic activities at sea be organised without losing sight of the ecosystem? Companies, policymakers and experts recently explored this question during an expert workshop on MariParks.

CO-WATERS

CO-WATERS launches coalition for healthier oceans and waters

Cities, ports and regions face major challenges related to water quality and ecosystems. Addressing these challenges requires both collaboration and concrete solutions. The CO-WATERS coalition therefore brings together local authorities, businesses and knowledge partners to accelerate results.

Zeewier

The role of biomass in the blue bioeconomy

Sustainable production requires change. Both on land and at sea, we are rethinking how to build a greener future. Within the blue economy, there is a continuous search for sustainable materials and innovative production processes to reduce environmental and climate impact.

European Ocean Week

Europe steps up action for a sustainable blue economy

During the European Ocean Days 2026 in Brussels, policymakers, researchers and companies from across Europe came together to discuss the next steps in implementing the EU mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters.” Blue Cluster also attended the event.

Cliffs of Moher

13 February 2026

Blue Cluster calls for an innovation-driven European Ocean Act

A new European Ocean Act is set to define the future of Europe’s seas. In a position paper, Blue Cluster outlines concrete recommendations to ensure the Act becomes a strategic enabler for innovation, security and sustainable growth at sea.

Kust zee 2025

22 January 2026

Marine Spatial Plan 2026–2034 approved by the Council of Ministers

The new Marine Spatial Plan outlines the framework for activities in the Belgian part of the North Sea up to 2034. Blue Cluster and POM West Flanders are closely monitoring the further implementation of the plan, with a focus on innovation and sustainable economic development at sea.

AlgaeVALOR project

13 January 2026

Algae as a key to innovation and new economic opportunities

From policy initiatives to practice-oriented research: algae are increasingly at the heart of innovative and circular applications. Explore recent insights into European ambitions, Flemish initiatives and the valorisation of residual streams through algae cultivation.

Boei op zee

12 January 2026

Submit your project for our twenty-first project call

Our 21st project went live on 12 January. Project proposals can be submitted until Thursday 19 March at noon. The present call is open to all innovation domains of Blue Cluster and to all project types, excluding completely new cSBR projects. Feasibility studies can be submitted throughout the year.

EU flag water

09 December 2025

Strategic input for the European Ocean R&I Strategy

Blue Cluster took part in the first European meeting on the future research and innovation strategy for the ocean. We highlighted how innovation, test infrastructure, and supportive policies can drive progress in the sustainable blue economy.

Duinen strand vuurtoren

08 December 2025

Submit your project idea for strategic basic research

Blue Cluster's annual call for for cSBR projects has launched. You have until 28 January 2026 at 12 noon to submit your project proposals (two-pager). This call only applies to new cSBR projects linked to the Blue Economy.