Nominees for the Blue Innovation Awards 2024

We received no fewer than 18 entries for the fourth edition of the Blue Innovation Awards. After careful deliberation, our jury has selected two nominees per category. We would like to introduce them to you below. The winners will be announced on June 13 during the Blue Innovation Party Antwerp.
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01 May 2024
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On 18 and 19 April, all candidates had the opportunity to present their project, service or product to the jury. All entries were subsequently evaluated based on their innovative character, link with the blue economy, market potential, international ambitions and relevance to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Nominees

The quality of the entries was once again exceptionally high. After much deluberation, our expert eventually selected two contenders for each category. Get to know all selected initiatives below:

Blue Innovation Wave (for SMEs).

Offshore Wind Farm Grid Optimization Toolset (Enersynt)

Enersynt has developed an advanced toolset that makes it possible to optimise the efficiency of offshore wind farms. Mathematical optimisation limits project costs and development time, while reducing environmental impact and increasing project efficiency.

Enersynt's software easily manages the complexity of offshore wind farm electrical design and identifies the most economical network configurations. This way, companies get the competitive advantage they need to win more projects and ensure lasting profitability and environmental sustainability.

ZULU MASS (ZULU Associates)

ZULU Associates is developing a new vessel for crossing the Channel, the ZULU MASS. This ship is part of a radically new logistics concept and is designed to operate unmanned. In the long term, the ship will evolve towards emission-free propulsion.

ZULU Associates is therefore conducting research into alternative propulsion using a modular concept. This concept ensures that the ship can sail with different energy sources. Within this scope, supporting energy systems such as wind and sailing are also being examined.

Corporate Blue Innovation Wave (for corporates)

MycoFence (CITRIBEL)

Due to climate change and the increasing demand for food, the aquaculture sector is under great pressure. That is why Citribel has developed MycoFence, a 100% natural product that makes fish more resistant to diseases and stress. This innovative product benefits the well-being of all farmed fish species.

Mycofence is sustainably produced and its effectiveness has been confirmed by leading research centers. With Mycofence, CITRIBEL leads the way to a healthier and more sustainable future in aquaculture.

Hydrotug 1 (CMB.TECH)

The Hydrotug 1, the world's first hydrogen tugboat, has been operational at Port of Antwerp-Bruges since the end of 2023. The ship is powered by combustion engines that burn hydrogen in combination with traditional fuel. This ensures a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions.

CMB.TECH promotes the Hydrotug 1 as an innovative and environmentally friendly solution for tugboat operations. In this way, the company makes an active contribution to the global shift towards more sustainable maritime solutions.

Blue Innovation Swell (for collaboration initiatives)

Project Supersized 4.0 (Parkwind and Norther)

Parkwind and Norther are developing an integrated methodology to identify defects and underperforming wind turbines in the short term. Within this scope, performance, condition and structural health of the foundations of all wind turbines in a wind farm are monitored continuously.

The resulting data are subsequently combined with other to can accurately predict the best time to carry out particular work. This makes it possible to develop new, more efficient maintenance strategies.

Nature Inclusive Design of the Princess Elisabeth island (Elia Group together with various private and public actors)

Grid operator Elia has opted for a nature-inclusive design for the future energy island in the Belgian North Sea. Various measures will be taken to improve biodiversity around the island. This will include ledges on which birds can breed and rest, as well as a diverse and rich artificial reef underwater.

Experts from public and private institutions, universities, consultancy firms and non-governmental organisations have participated in the co-creation process. During the further design of the natural elements, all kinds of expertise from various companies and organisations will be brought together.

Award ceremony

The selected entries per category will be presented in the Queen Elisabeth Hall in Antwerp during Antwerp Maritime Week on Thursday 13 June 2024. The winners will subsequently be announced. 

Everyone will also get the opportunity to vote for their favorite. After the presentation of the other categories, the winner of the Inspirational Blue Wave (audience award) will be announced. 

We would like to thank all organisations that submitted a project, product or service for their participation and wish them all the best with their innovations.

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