Navigating the North Sea
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.
With the approval of the third Marine Spatial Plan (2026–2034), a new phase begins for the Belgian North Sea. During this event, we bring together key stakeholders to present the plan and engage in a dialogue on its implications for the future of our sea.
We are honoured to welcome Minister Annelies Verlinden, in her capacity as Minister responsible for the North Sea, who will introduce the new plan. Together with companies, public authorities and scientists, we will explore the key choices within the MSP, with particular attention to the opportunities for a sustainable blue economy and the strategic role of the Belgian part of the North Sea within the wider North Sea basin.
This event offers a unique opportunity to gain a clear and concise understanding of the new MSP in a short time, while also engaging with the diverse actors active in and around the North Sea.
Following the main programme, there will be time for informal networking over coffee. This will be followed by an exclusive new members event for the Blue Cluster members, to which all members and partners are invited. During this session, our newest members will briefly introduce themselves—an ideal opportunity to further expand your network within the blue economy.
Below, you can register for one or both parts of the programme.
Programme
Programme – Blue Cluster as compass (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
De Blauwe Cluster members' event (exclusive to Blue Cluster members)
| 4:00 PM | Welcome & reception by Piet Opstaele (CEO, De Blauwe Cluster) |
| 4:05 PM | Introduction by Jozefien Vanhuyse (Neanex), Vice‑Chair of the SME Committee |
| 4:15 PM | Keynote speaker: Kristof Verlinden, Jera Nex BP (TBC) |
| 4:35 PM | Pitches by new members |
| 5:15 PM – 7:00 PM | Networking |
Practical information
The event on the Marine Spatial Plan is open to the public, but the subsequent De Blauwe Cluster members’ event is reserved exclusively for members of De Blauwe Cluster.
Date: 02/06/2026
Time: 13h-16h &16h-19h00
Location: Bluebridge (Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Ostend)
Registration is open until 28 May. Please use the form below to register.
If you do not inform us of your absence at least two days prior to the event, a no‑show fee of €100 will be charged.
