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

Maritieme beveiliging

16 February 2026

Open calls for innovation in maritime security and defence

Are you developing an innovative solution in maritime cybersecurity, maintenance or digital applications for defence? Two open calls offer concrete funding and support to test and validate your technology in real-world environments.

Cliffs of Moher

13 February 2026

Blue Cluster calls for an innovation-driven European Ocean Act

A new European Ocean Act is set to define the future of Europe’s seas. In a position paper, Blue Cluster outlines concrete recommendations to ensure the Act becomes a strategic enabler for innovation, security and sustainable growth at sea.

Lancering VISD - DD

09 February 2026

Flanders gives new impetus to innovation in the defence industry

During a launch event on 6 February, the Flemish government outlined how it aims to strengthen innovation and industrial capabilities within the defence industry. Flemish companies, knowledge institutions and ecosystems play a key role in this approach.

Windmolen op zee

03 February 2026

North Sea countries reaffirm their ambitions for offshore wind

At the North Sea Summit in Hamburg, nine European countries confirmed their ambition to develop the North Sea into a strategic pillar of the European energy system. The plans involve up to €1,000 billion in investments and the deployment of 300 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity.

EcoGBF

02 February 2026

Rethinking bottom-fixed foundations for offshore wind

De partners in het project EcoGBF werken aan een alternatief voor de klassieke fundering van offshore windturbines. Het project focust op een op zwaartekracht gebaseerde oplossing die stiller, eenvoudiger en duurzamer te installeren is.

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.