Projects

Several European partners work together in the project ‘Emerging ecosystem-based Maritime Spatial Planning topics in North and Baltic Seas Region’ to develop a European vision for maritime spatial planning. The focus is especially on a sustainable blue economy.

Within the context of a circular economy, companies are increasingly looking for valuable applications for biomass. It is important that we are able to efficiently separate the different components of biomass. The EffSep project is strongly focused on this.

The impact of human activities at sea is currently often very unclear. In order to address this knowledge gap, the SUMES project aims to develop an extensive model that measures the local, regional and global impact of such activities. This will help companies to work at sea in a more sustainable manner.

The space available at sea is limited. In order to make optimum use of that space, it is important to combine various activities in the same location. That is called multi-use or multiple use of space. The Horizon 2020 project UNITED is strongly focused on this.

Businesses in the blue economy need useful and practical indicators to evaluate their impact and dependence on the marine ecosystem. The MEsP project is aimed at developing a tool that enables companies to assess their performances in connection with marine ecosystems.

The partners in the SeaBioComp project aim to develop, produce and test new bio-based thermoplastic composite materials. Based on the test results, analytical protocols will be established to determine the long-term sustainability and evaluate the reduced ecological impact on the marine environment.

Currently, the European aquaculture sector heavily relies on rope that cannot be recycled. BIOGEARS therefore aims to offer a sustainable alternative by developing biodegradable rope. Local composting facilities will be able to process this new type of rope.

The PERSUADE project aims to investigate how a combination of local activities can influence the coastal ecosystem in an environment that is also subject to the consequences of global climate change. The main focus is on energy generation in offshore wind farms combined with aquaculture.

Soft coastal protection measures such as dune, beach or foreshore replenishments present specific challenges in terms of design and maintenance for governments, engineering firms, dredgers and the insurance industry.

This project will develop a toolbox for the assessment and integration of social and spatial risks of multifunctional marine infrastructure. The eventual goal is to maximise the success rate of complex marine infrastructure projects.

Inn2POWER aims to support SMEs in the North Sea area in setting up innovative partnerships in the maintenance and monitoring of offshore wind farms. Through Inn2POWER, Flemish suppliers will have easier access to a stronger framework for international cooperation in the North Sea area and to international testing facilities.

In Belgium, man-made islands are considered an element for coastal protection against the rise in sea levels. Making these coastal protection islands multifunctional could make a significant contribution to their financial affordability.