Building better protection for our offshore infrastructure
With the support of Defence and the Royal Higher Institute for Defence (RHID), Blue Cluster is building a network focused on the protection of offshore infrastructure, such as wind farms, subsea cables and ports. In a changing geopolitical context, this requires a targeted and collaborative approach.
Within this ecosystem, companies, knowledge institutions and public authorities work together on solutions. This includes detecting suspicious activities, monitoring infrastructure and enabling different systems at sea to operate securely together.
What happens at sea affects us all. If something goes wrong, we immediately feel it in our energy supply, our communications and our economy.
Theo Francken
Opportunities for businesses
This initiative creates concrete opportunities for companies. They gain access to a network where they can deploy their technologies in a relevant context, in collaboration with Defence and infrastructure operators.
This allows companies to test their solutions in practice and develop new applications. At the same time, it strengthens their position on the European and international market.
With its strong maritime defence expertise, leading knowledge institutions and close-knit network of innovative SMEs and international players, Belgium has everything it needs to implement solutions for protecting our seas worldwide.
Piet Opstaele
What does this mean in practice?
- €3.1 million for the development and management of the ecosystem
- €60.4 million for innovation initiatives within Defence
- Collaboration between Defence, companies and knowledge institutions
- Focus on offshore and maritime infrastructure
From study to concrete projects
Blue Cluster previously conducted a feasibility study confirming that such an ecosystem is both viable and responds to a clear need. In the coming years, the focus will shift to launching concrete projects and strengthening collaboration.
Protecting critical maritime infrastructure is becoming increasingly important for Belgium. By building a new collaboration ecosystem between Defence and industry, Belgium aims to strengthen the security of these strategic assets while stimulating innovation and economic growth.
Protecting critical maritime infrastructure is becoming increasingly important for Belgium. By building a new collaboration ecosystem between Defence and industry, Belgium aims to strengthen the security of these strategic assets while stimulating innovation and economic growth.
Benoît Hansenne
Want to get involved?
Would you like to contribute to solutions in maritime security? On 21 April, Blue Cluster is organising a project generation workshop on maritime security and defence. During this session, companies and partners will explore new project ideas together. The cooperation agreement for the ecosystem will also be officially signed.
Any questions? Feel free to contact Eveline Buyck.
