Plea for more space for innovation and economy in the North Sea
The Belgian North Sea is the scene of numerous activities: renewable energy, nature conservation, shipping, fishing and sand extraction, etc. The Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) is a crucial instrument to reconcile these diverse activities economically, ecologically and socially and to give each activity a clear place.
Belgium is a pioneer in marine spatial planning. The first Marine Spatial Plan (2014-2020) put our country on the map as a forerunner in sustainable use of the sea. The current plan (2020-2026) builds on this, but the draft MSP 2026-2034 raises questions about how space is provided for innovative activities in the North Sea.
Attention to the Blue Economy
“The zones previously reserved for the sustainable blue economy (the zones for commercial and industrial activities) are not retained in the new plan, which means that a strong incentive for innovation and our economy at sea is lost,” says Jean de Bethune, chairman of POM West Flanders.
“We are asking for a thorough re-evaluation so that West Flanders can maintain its pioneering role in the blue economy and can test and use the knowledge built up at sea. Flemish and European companies and knowledge institutions must be given the opportunity to test, demonstrate and grow economically both at home and abroad at more seaward locations.”
Adding explicit test locations at sea to the Marine Spatial Plan not only provides legal certainty but also accelerates the development of innovative projects. In addition, there is now also an opportunity to expand the framework for scientific research to research and innovation activities, including test, demonstration and pilot projects.
Multi-use offers opportunities
The new plan also shifts some zones from ‘multi-use’ to ‘single use.’ Single-use means that a zone can be used for only one activity, such as fishing or energy production, while multi-use implies that different activities can be combined in the same zone.
“This shift is a step backwards and goes against the European trend of explicitly designating zones for multiuse,” says Piet Opstaele, CEO of De Blauwe Cluster. “Moreover, multi-use offers a unique opportunity to build expertise that we can use and export internationally.”
“We are asking to retain the current zones for commercial and industrial zones but to adapt them to the new insights of sustainable multi-use. International studies show that explicitly demarcating zones for multiple uses is the best guarantee to finally make this complex transition.”

Less stringent regulations
Piet Opstaele emphasises the impact of the proposed changes: “The proposed ban on fixed structures within six nautical miles of the coast is too strict and can severely limit sustainable innovative economic initiatives.”
“We therefore urge to refine the rules: limit infrastructure-free zones to three nautical miles, with exceptions for economic activities that contribute to sustainability and innovation.”
“Such adjustments not only pave the way for more innovative projects, but also contribute to a stronger economic and ecological balance.”
Public involvement
On Tuesday 28 January, POM West Flanders and Blue Cluster organised a debate on the draft Marine Spatial Plan. More than 110 participants from the industry, knowledge institutions, governments and other stakeholders took part.
During interactive sessions, the attendees emphasised the need for more space for innovation and sustainable economic activities in the new plan.

Call for a future-oriented North Sea
In 2025, it is clear that a spatial plan must explicitly designate space for innovation and new sustainable economic activities. POM West Flanders and De Blauwe Cluster emphasize that an adjustment of the Marine Spatial Plan is essential to strike a balance between economy, ecology and innovation.
Explicit space for innovation and sustainable blue economy offers the unique opportunity to strengthen the Belgian North Sea as an international example of innovation and sustainability.
“We call on policymakers to guarantee a balanced future for our North Sea together with companies and knowledge institutions. Only by creating space for innovation, cooperation and sustainability will the Belgian North Sea remain a source of prosperity and progress.”