Blue Innovation Village at Ostend at Anchor 2025
The sea is usually associated with traditional economic activities such as fishing and shipping. In practice, however, the sea is becoming increasingly important for other economic sectors revolving around the circular economy and tapping the potential of ‘blue growth’.
The best-known example is the construction of wind farms a few kilometres off the coast, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Other activities include the cultivation of seaweed, mussels and oysters offshore, and research is conducted into new coastal defence methods, more based on nature and less on concrete.
These new economic developments are highly diverse, but still little-known among the general public. In the blue innovation village at Ostend at Anchor, you can learn all there is to know about the companies and other organisations active in this area.
Programme
This year, you can find the Blue Innovation Village on Sint-Petrus- en Paulusplein (right in front of the church). The programme includes:
- NEW: fascinating panel discussions with experts on various themes linked to the sea (Dutch only);
- Enthusiastic exhibitors who are happy to tell you more about their activities and projects;
- Demonstrations of various innovative products and services;
- Guided tours for schools on Thursday and Friday.
The number of places for the panel discussions is limited. Registration in advance is therefore required.
Exhibitors
You can meet the following organisations in the Blue Innovation village:
Practical information
Ostend at Anchor is a free and publicly accessible event. For certain activities, the number of participants is nevertheless limited and it is advisable to register in advance. You can find all relevant information in this regard on the Ostend at Anchor website.
The festival is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. Traditionally, Saturday and Sunday are the most crowded. If you want to explore the Blue InnovationVillage in a more relaxed way, we recommend that you come along on Thursday or Friday.
Background information
Ostend at Anchor is the largest maritime festival along the North Sea. It features a maritime market and numerous authentic ships from all over the world. Last year the event attracted more than 200,000 visitors.
The focus of the event is not only on the maritime past, but also on the current and future importance of the sea for our economic system. In the Blue Innovation Village you can learn more about the latest developments in this area.
The theme of Ostend at Anchor in 2025 is Working at Sea.
