Where the sea, technology and collaboration come together

The Captains of Industry Day is an initiative of the Belgian Ministry of Defence to strengthen cooperation between industry and the Belgian Navy. The event took place within the framework of NAVY Technofest 2025, a multi-day technology and innovation festival hosted at the Zeebrugge naval base.

In the morning, Blue Cluster organised a large-scale live demonstration on maritime security — the first of its kind in Belgium. Participating companies showcased cutting-edge technologies and applications through realistic, scenario-based exercises. From autonomous vessels, drones and underwater sensors to data platforms and detection and communication systems, fourteen companies demonstrated what is already possible today in integrated maritime protection.

The afternoon featured inspiring keynotes and discussions highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the maritime sector. De Blauwe Cluster contributed a keynote focusing on the intersection of innovation, market development and maritime security, underscoring how collaboration can strengthen both safety and competitiveness.

During the demonstration sessions, visitors experienced the latest maritime technologies up close. Fourteen companies illustrated how Belgian expertise is being applied worldwide to support safe, sustainable and efficient maritime operations. The demonstrations took place in realistic conditions and revolved around three scenarios: an intrusion in a port environment, an offshore incident further at sea, and the detection of drones.

These demonstrations showed how innovations from the private sector contribute to a modern, agile and better-protected maritime environment. They offered a compelling example of how cooperation between companies, defence and research institutions leads to tangible progress. Thanks to this collaboration, we can gain a more complete picture of what happens at sea and respond swiftly and effectively when needed.

The afternoon continued with a series of keynotes and panel discussions on future-oriented themes. The Belgian Navy presented its strategic direction, followed by contributions from the Royal Higher Institute for Defence (RHID), representatives of the Flemish Government within the framework of its defence ambitions, and POM West Flanders.

Blue Cluster shared its vision on maritime security and innovation: how new technologies, data and collaboration are key to building a strong, competitive and resilient maritime sector. This message aligned perfectly with NAVY Technofest’s overarching goal: bridging civilian and military partners to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure.

The event also featured the presentation of the feasibility study conducted by Blue Cluster for the Ministry of Defence, exploring the development of an innovation ecosystem for critical maritime infrastructure protection. It was announced that Blue Cluster will coordinate the creation of this ecosystem, which will serve as a platform for collaboration between industry, research and government and lay the groundwork for a robust and integrated maritime innovation framework in Belgium.

With the Captains of Industry Day, Blue Cluster reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for collaboration within the maritime domain. By bringing together science, technology and entrepreneurship, we create opportunities to accelerate innovation and position Belgium as a leader in maritime safety, knowledge and technology.

The day concluded with a networking reception and walking dinner, where participants exchanged ideas and forged new partnerships. NAVY Technofest 2025 proved to be more than just a technology showcase: it became a meeting point where vision, expertise and cooperation come together in service of a safer and more sustainable maritime future.