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Read the news articles from Blue Cluster about innovative activities and expertise in the sustainable blue economy.

Kust zee 2025

22 January 2026

Marine Spatial Plan 2026–2034 approved by the Council of Ministers

The new Marine Spatial Plan outlines the framework for activities in the Belgian part of the North Sea up to 2034. Blue Cluster and POM West Flanders are closely monitoring the further implementation of the plan, with a focus on innovation and sustainable economic development at sea.

Binnenvaartschip 2026

21 January 2026

Green light for autonomous and sustainable inland navigation in Flanders

In early January, the Flemish Government gave final approval to the decree on innovative and sustainable inland navigation. As a result, Flanders now has a clear regulatory framework for automated navigation, remote control and alternative propulsion systems.

AlgaeVALOR project

13 January 2026

Algae as a key to innovation and new economic opportunities

From policy initiatives to practice-oriented research: algae are increasingly at the heart of innovative and circular applications. Explore recent insights into European ambitions, Flemish initiatives and the valorisation of residual streams through algae cultivation.

Boei op zee

12 January 2026

Submit your project for our twenty-first project call

Our 21st project went live on 12 January. Project proposals can be submitted until Thursday 19 March at noon. The present call is open to all innovation domains of Blue Cluster and to all project types, excluding completely new cSBR projects. Feasibility studies can be submitted throughout the year.

Maritime Security

06 January 2026

Flanders accelerates innovation in the fields of security and resilience

The Flemish Government aims to accelerate innovation in security and resilience, helping ideas move more quickly from concept to real-world application. Within this approach, maritime technology is given a clear strategic role: opening up new opportunities for the blue economy and for international cooperation.

EU flag water

09 December 2025

Strategic input for the European Ocean R&I Strategy

Blue Cluster took part in the first European meeting on the future research and innovation strategy for the ocean. We highlighted how innovation, test infrastructure, and supportive policies can drive progress in the sustainable blue economy.

Duinen strand vuurtoren

08 December 2025

Submit your project idea for strategic basic research

Blue Cluster's annual call for for cSBR projects has launched. You have until 28 January 2026 at 12 noon to submit your project proposals (two-pager). This call only applies to new cSBR projects linked to the Blue Economy.

Vuurtoren Noordzee projectoproep

04 December 2025

Looking for projects that help shape the future of our seas

BlueActionBANOS has launched two new open calls for projects that contribute to ocean restoration, cleaner seas, and a circular blue economy. Both calls are 100% funded and offer concrete opportunities for Belgian companies and organisations.

Windmolen op zee

27 November 2025

Strengthen your international network in offshore energy

In spring 2026, Blue Cluster and Flanders Investment & Trade will organise two roadshows focused on offshore renewable energy. This gives companies the opportunity to gain expertise, establish new contacts, and explore international market opportunities.

Slotevent Blue Balance

25 November 2025

What coastal users teach us about support for sustainable initiatives

During the closing event of Blue Balance, new insights emerged into how people experience the coast and how support can be built for sustainable initiatives. The results offer valuable guidance for future projects along the Belgian coast.

Tomorrow Blue Economy

24 November 2025

Tomorrow Blue Economy: insights on growing the blue economy

From restoration to innovation, the blue economy is on the move. Tomorrow Blue Economy, an international conference focused on ocean solutions and maritime innovation, provided a clear picture of today’s key trends, challenges and emerging opportunities.

Panama Beach

18 November 2025

Panama and Flanders join forces on Nature-Based Solutions

Blue Cluster recently participated in the Flemish Water Mission to Panama, where Nature-Based Solutions and water management took center stage. The mission led to valuable exchanges and revealed new opportunities for collaboration on coastal protection and innovation.