Barcelona Launches BlueTechPort to Pioneer Innovation in Blue Economy
Construction has begun on BlueTechPort, a €60 million innovation hub in Barcelona's port aimed at advancing the blue economy through sustainable maritime technology.
- • BlueTechPort will create a 25,000 square meter innovation district at Sant Bertran docks in Barcelona.
- • The project has a budget of €60 million and is expected to complete by 2028.
- • It aims to reduce energy consumption by 60% and includes testing areas for maritime technology prototypes.
- • Over 25 companies are already part of the ecosystem, managed by the World Trade Center Barcelona.
Key details
The BlueTechPort project has officially commenced construction in the Port of Barcelona, marking a significant step toward establishing a leading blue economy innovation hub in Europe. The initiative involves transforming the Sant Bertran docks into a 25,000 square meter complex designed to foster startups, scale-ups, accelerators, and research entities related to maritime economic activities. Expected to be completed by 2028, this ambitious project is backed by a 60 million euro investment, primarily led by the Port Authority of Barcelona and managed by the World Trade Center Barcelona (WTCB).
Key stakeholders gathered for the ceremonial laying of the first stone, including José Alberto Carbonell, President of the Port Authority of Barcelona, who described BlueTechPort as an 'open laboratory' for innovation, integrating programs like BCN Port Innovation Foundation and Puertos 4.0. These initiatives create a comprehensive ecosystem where over 25 companies are already involved, some actively testing prototypes within designated port zones. The hub is designed not merely as a building but as a platform that will extend its influence across the port’s expansive 2,000 hectares.
Architectural plans, guided by b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos, aim to preserve historical features of six industrial warehouses while achieving a 60% reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional buildings, positioning sustainability at the project's core. The development will accommodate up to 2,500 professionals and feature two hectares of water reserved for maritime technology testing — a pioneering approach in Europe.
Local government officials including Mayor Jaume Collboni and Catalonia's Minister of Territory, Sílvia Paneque, emphasized the project's strategic role in diversifying Barcelona's economy and reinforcing its historic Mediterranean connection. Gustavo Santana, President of Puertos del Estado, highlighted that BlueTechPort will help reimagine ports as catalysts for maritime innovation and economic growth beyond traditional logistics roles.
Current operations include temporarily relocating existing companies to the WTCB during the estimated two-and-a-half-year construction period. The project is anticipated to attract talent and investment, establishing Barcelona as a global benchmark hub in the blue economy sector.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
