Andalucía Leads the Charge in Regional Blue Economy Development Projects

Andalucía's Maritime and Marine Cluster (CMMA) is spearheading significant blue economy initiatives across the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions in 2025. Recent developments showcase the cluster’s commitment to fostering sustainable maritime economic growth and improving cooperation with northern and southern Mediterranean countries, notably through key projects in Egypt and Morocco.

In the first half of 2025, the CMMA has undertaken feasibility studies to evaluate the establishment of maritime economic clusters in Egypt and Morocco. These assessments identified local strengths, such as existing port infrastructure and technical expertise, while simultaneously highlighting challenges like regulatory barriers and financial constraints that must be addressed for effective cluster development. The CMMA’s endeavors aim to enhance maritime collaboration and innovation in these regions, ensuring each project's viability in relation to local governance and stakeholder engagement.

A pivotal initiative is the CallmeBLUE project, funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFAF), which aims to bolster interconnections between maritime clusters in the Mediterranean. The CMMA prepared a technical report on a workshop conducted in Mauritania in January 2025, focusing on establishing common strategies among diverse stakeholders. The workshop underscored key structural challenges such as limited private sector engagement and insufficient infrastructure, which need to be tackled to facilitate sustainable regional development in the blue economy.

Additionally, the CMMA has participated in the V National Day for the Promotion of the Blue Economy in Mauritania, playing a crucial role in laying the groundwork for the country’s future national blue economy strategy, centered around sustainable and inclusive practices.

Furthermore, the CMMA is involved in the Smartec project, which focuses on the decarbonization of maritime transport, linking various stakeholders across the Atlantic region to define sustainable solutions collaboratively. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce emissions in shipping, thereby contributing to greener maritime activities.

In summary, Andalucía’s CMMA is effectively leading various blue economy projects aimed at enhancing sustainable maritime development in the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions. With ongoing projects and international collaborations in place, the CMMA is set to play a crucial role in transforming maritime economies while addressing pressing environmental challenges.