Blue economy technologies in Catalonia

Over a thousand companies in Catalonia work in technologies linked to the Blue economy, generating €5.56 billion in revenue and employing 23,876 people.

Download our report about the Blue economy technologies in Catalonia

Blue economy technologies
in Catalonia.

Catalonia’s blue economy technology ecosystem is made up of 1,078 companies, according to the study "Blue Economy Technologies in Catalonia" conducted by Catalonia Trade & Investment. The blue economy encompasses all marine and ocean life activities, including coastal areas, focusing on sustainable use for economic development and ecosystem conservation. The report specifically focuses on the study of technologies used within the blue economy that have the potential to generate the greatest impact on businesses in Catalonia.

Search our database to find Catalan companies working in Blue economy technologies.

One of the key findings of the study reveals that the one thousand Catalan companies engaged in blue economy technologies collectively generate €5.56 billion in revenue and provide employment to 23,876 people. These are predominantly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), accounting for 98.6% of the total, and are active in sectors such as passenger and goods transport (47.1%), fishing and aquaculture (29.6%), and maritime transport propulsion and construction (15.2%). The sector is dynamic, with nearly four out of ten companies (38.2%) being less than ten years old, and around 3% classified as startups.

1,078 companies
23,876 jobs
€5.56B in turnover

“Barcelona is an innovative city in its DNA. Barcelona and Catalonia understand that the Mediterranean needs to be protected and grow”

Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand and Defender of the America's Cup

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Blue Economy Key Technologies

The study examines a range of technologies linked to the blue economy, including those related to energy (such as offshore wind, floating solar, and ocean energy); marine resources (blue biotechnology, algae, and fishing and aquaculture); and maritime transport (propulsion systems, shipbuilding and maintenance, and maritime logistics services). Technologies related to water sports, as well as those aimed at mitigating the effects of human activity on the marine ecosystem—such as ocean monitoring, marine environment protection and regeneration, and microplastic reduction in oceans—are also analyzed, along with desalination technologies.

Among the technologies reviewed, the report highlights the biotechnology and algae area and maritime transport propulsion. Blue biotechnology is a growing multidisciplinary field driven by research in biochemistry and algae, with a strong focus on exploring marine resources for developing biological products applicable to health, food, cosmetics, and energy. Maritime transport, on the other hand, is a cornerstone of the blue economy, with a strong emphasis on decarbonizing propulsion systems. Alternatives such as electric propulsion, biofuels, hydrogen, and other chemical solutions are all under development.

The report also analyzes the impact of other cross-cutting technologies in the sector, including digital tools (IoT, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Photonics, and Cybersecurity), advanced manufacturing (robotics and additive manufacturing), new materials, and circularity.

Trends and Opportunities

Thanks to technological development, the blue economy, which includes a wide range of sectors aimed at understanding and enhancing the sustainability of seas and oceans, has significant potential for growth and innovation. According to the study's findings, Catalonia is well-positioned in traditional sectors such as port activities, the economy, and maritime transport. Among emerging sectors with the greatest potential, key opportunities lie in renewable energy, biotechnology, desalination, underwater robotics, and research.

Globally, the blue economy is regarded as the seventh-largest economy in the world, valued at approximately $2.5 trillion annually. With 71% of the Earth's surface covered by water and 80% of global trade conducted via maritime routes, the importance of this sector is clear. In Europe alone, sectors related to the blue economy directly employ 3.6 million people, according to sources referenced in the study.

“Barcelona is well positioned to lead the Blue Economy in Europe, and with our innovative community, we must utilize this technology for ocean solutions and apply it in the Mediterranean”

Emma Cobos, Director of Innovation and Business Strategy of Port of Barcelona