Portugal hosts the world headquarters of the BlueTech Cluster Alliance
Press release
The unique, 5-year-old initiative, which will be hosted by Forum Oceano, brings together 10 BlueTech clusters that together represent over 5000 companies, whose combined turnover is comparable to 20% of the Portuguese GDP
Portugal, through Fórum Oceano, will host the BlueTech Cluster Alliance (BTCA), a space that brings together 10 blue economy clusters, which represent over 5000 companies, with a turnover equivalent to 20% of the Portuguese GDP.
The signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between Fórum Oceano, a co-founder of the initiative, PLOCAN, from Spain, GCE Ocean Technology, from Norway, Pôle Mer Bretagne Atlantique and Pôle Mer Méditerranée, both from France, IMDO, from Ireland, MSE International and Cornwall Marine Network, from the United Kingdom, OceansAdvance, from Canada, and TMA Bluetech, from the United States, took place on June 27th at the Pavilhão de Portugal, at the side-event space of the One Sustainable Ocean of the UN Ocean Conference. José Maria Costa, Secretary of State of the Sea of the Portuguese Government, were present.
A unique opportunity for fostering sustainable blue economy globally
– Within a framework of a blue economy that embraces worldwide markets, BTCA represents a unique opportunity for our respective members to easily collaborate at international levels to shape cutting edge innovations and design the maritime world of the future, emphasized Philippe Monbet, Deputy Director Pôle Mer Bretagne Atlantique.
For Ruben Eiras, Secretary-General of Forum Oceano, believes that BTCA is "the opportunity for fostering a sustainable blue economy in cooperation between different geographies. The member clusters can amplify their impact by acting collectively, rather than individually”.
– Through the establishment of BTCA headquarter in Portugal, we increase our efforts and strengthen the alliance. This STEP-UP will create new business opportunities for GCE Ocean Technology and contributes significantly to speed up the development of a sustainable blue economy, added Owe Hagesæther, CEO of GCE Ocean Technology.
– As a proud co-founder of the BlueTech Cluster Alliance, Pôle Mer Méditerranée renews its commitment to the Alliance. By entrusting Forum Oceano with the headquarters of the Alliance, we are strengthening and expanding the Blue Economy community on a global scale, supporting our national networks while promoting international cooperation, added Fanny Moutin.
The sentiment is shared by Jonathan Williams, CEO of MSE International.
– In an era when BlueTech industries must rise to the sustainability challenge, the BTCA has a vital role to play. It can strengthen international collaboration so that individual maritime nations and their leading companies and institutions can contribute more effectively to our common goal, he highlighted.
For more information, please contact:
Email: joao.parreira@forumoceano.pt
Contact Information
