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Innovatieve technologie voor detectie van plastic vervuiling.

Tackling marine plastic pollution from space

Plastic pollution is wreaking havoc. To map it more effectively, the SSPIRIT project aims to combine satellite imagery with advanced image processing and artificial intelligence. During the third Industrial Advisory Board several of these technologies were shown.

Van links naar rechts: Eveline Buyck (Blauwe Cluster), Kinnie De Beule (Blauwe Cluster), Ira Lardinois (POM West-Vlaanderen), Joachim Coens (Kabinet Verlinden), Geert Dangreau (POM West-Vlaanderen), minister Annelies Verlinden, Piet Opstaele (CEO Blauwe Cluster), Marijn Rabaut (Blauwe Cluster), gouverneur Carl Decaluwé en Romina Vanhooren (Blauwe Cluster).

Belgium's section of the North Sea more important than ever

On Tuesday 2 June 2026, Blue Cluster and POM West Flanders welcomed North Sea Minister Annelies Verlinden to Bluebridge Ostend for a broad stakeholder event on the new Marine Spatial Plan (2026–2034).

De Belgische economische missie naar Turkije zette Belgische energiebedrijven in de kijker.

Spotlight on Belgian energy companies during mission to Turkey

The Belgian economic mission to Turkey proved to be an excellent opportunity to gain insight into Turkey’s vision and strategy regarding energy and the energy transition. The Belgian energy industry also took center stage.

De European Maritime Days vonden dit jaar plaats op 21 en 22 mei.

Key takeaways from European Maritime Days 2026

Every year, the European Maritime Days shine a spotlight on maritime Europe to shape a sustainable blue economy, protect our oceans, and restore Europe’s competitiveness. This year, the event took place on May 21 and 22.

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.

Collaboration on maritime security.

Partnership on maritime safety officially launched

The Blue Cluster and the Royal Higher Institute for Defense will now be collaborating on maritime security. The cooperation agreement was officially signed during the launch event on April 21.

Navigating the North Sea

Tuesday, Jun 2 2026 · 1 - 7pm

Navigating the North Sea

Navigating the North Sea: the new MSP
Blue Cluster and POM West Flanders will engage in dialogue with companies, public authorities and researchers on the key choices within Belgium’s new Marine Spatial Plan (MSP – 2026–2034). In the presence of the Minister for the North Sea, Annelies Verlinden, the opportunities for a sustainable blue economy in the Belgian part of the North Sea will be highlighted.

Blue Cluster as compass: new members event (BC members only)
After a short coffee break, Blue Cluster will welcome all its members and partners to the new members event. During this networking event, new members will briefly introduce themselves, and there will be ample opportunity for exchange and informal networking within the blue economy.

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.

Maritieme beveiliging 2026

Building better protection for our offshore infrastructure

What happens at sea has a direct impact on land. Protecting critical infrastructure is becoming increasingly important. Blue Cluster is joining forces with Defence, companies and knowledge institutions to build an ecosystem that addresses this challenge.

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.