Pasaia Port Champions Blue Economy with Strategic Plan for Sustainable Growth
Pasaia Port advances its blue economy agenda through strategic collaboration, innovation hubs, and sustainable maritime projects to transform the local economy.
- • Polo Oarsoaldea Urdina hosts annual event focusing on blue economy's economic impact.
- • Eight key blue economy areas identified at Pasaia Port, including marine energy and conservation.
- • Basque Country’s 2025-2030 Blue Economy Strategic Plan introduces new innovation hubs.
- • Projects in cybersecurity, electromobility, and maritime culture restoration discussed.
- • Local leaders emphasize collaboration and training to support generational transition.
Key details
The annual socialization event of Polo Oarsoaldea Urdina in Pasaia highlighted the port's pivotal role in advancing the blue economy as a cornerstone for economic transformation in the region. Key public and private representatives gathered to underscore the collaborative effort necessary for sustainable growth, with officials like Teo Alberro, mayor of Pasaia, emphasizing the potential to reinvent local industry towards cleaner and more technological models. Izaskun Goñi, president of the Pasaia Port Authority, stressed the importance of generational renewal in the sector, advocating for targeted training programs at local institutions such as Don Bosco and Blas de Lezo. Eight critical areas were identified within Pasaia's blue economy: oceanographic research, marine conservation, circular economy, maritime security, naval transport, sustainable infrastructure, marine renewable energy, and sustainable tourism. The session included the presentation of the Basque Country’s Strategic Plan for the Blue Economy 2025-2030, led by Ixone Soroa, which plans to establish hubs in Oarsoaldea, Ondarroa, and Bermeo, amplifying the region's maritime ecosystem. Discussions also featured strategic projects focusing on cybersecurity and electromobility, alongside initiatives fostering environmental awareness and the revival of Basque maritime culture, which plays a significant role in tourism. Expert Julien Mader from AZTI highlighted that the Polo de Economía Azul de Oarsoaldea serves as an innovation catalyst, particularly in marine energy and biotechnology, positioning the Bay of Pasaia as a testing ground for blue economy solutions.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
