Portugal, home to one of the largest exclusive economic zones in the world and an extensive coastline, is strengthening its strategic position in developing the blue economy with the establishment of INESCTEC.OCEAN, a Center of Excellence dedicated to the sea.
Portugal is leveraging its vast exclusive economic zone and extensive coastline to strengthen its strategic position in the blue economy with the creation of INESCTEC.OCEAN, a Center of Excellence dedicated to the sea.
As the fifth Center of Excellence in Portugal and the first exclusively focused on ocean engineering and marine technologies, INESCTEC.OCEAN emerged from a successful bid to the Teaming for Excellence program under Horizon Europe. Scheduled to begin operations in 2025 and run through 2031, the center aims to drive emerging maritime sectors, including offshore renewable energy, deep-sea monitoring, environmental impact assessments of human activities, and offshore aquaculture. Additionally, the project plans to establish a network of onshore and offshore technological infrastructures to test and develop innovative technologies, fostering stronger connections between science and industry.
Collaboration for global impact
INESCTEC.OCEAN will collaborate with national partners like Fórum Oceano, the Portuguese Sea Cluster, and APDL (the Administration of the Ports of Douro, Leixões, and Viana do Castelo), alongside international contributors such as Norway’s SINTEF.OCEAN. SINTEF.OCEAN, a leading Norwegian research center specializing in marine sciences, will mentor the Portuguese center, offering expertise to shape its scientific and technological programs.
The center’s objectives include strengthening cooperation among universities, industries, investors, and trade associations, promoting technological innovations, and facilitating knowledge transfer to meet market demands. Advanced human resource training will be a cornerstone of its mission, with scholarships for PhDs in areas such as marine structures, robotics, ocean energy, and marine data. Links with industry will be further enhanced through affiliation programs, technology demonstrations, pilot projects, and support for startups specializing in ocean engineering.
Boosting innovation and positioning Portugal as a global leader
New infrastructure development, along with the adaptation of existing facilities, will support the advancement of cutting-edge technologies. Experimental spaces will validate technological solutions while positioning Portugal as a global leader in ocean engineering. With over €30 million in funding secured from Horizon Europe and the Portuguese government, the center is expected to have a direct impact on creating highly skilled jobs, attracting talent, and bolstering national industry.
Strategically located in the Atlantic, Portugal is well-placed to lead maritime innovation. INESCTEC.OCEAN aims to become an international benchmark in ocean engineering while promoting the sustainable use of marine resources. By 2031, the center is projected to reach an annual activity volume exceeding €20 million, enhancing its scientific, technological, and industrial relevance.
This initiative underscores Portugal’s commitment to sustainably preserving and harnessing the potential of its vast maritime territory. Through innovation and global partnerships, INESCTEC.OCEAN seeks to drive the progress of the blue economy, ensuring the country plays a pivotal role in the future of marine research and technology.
Source: The portugal news
