MarTe: Marine Technology Excellence Hub for Sustainable Blue Economy in the Baltics
The aim of the project “MarTe: Marine Technology Excellence Hub for Sustainable Blue Economy in the Baltics” is to develop practical solutions and policy improvement recommendations for blue economy – the sustainable use of marine and ocean resources – in Estonia and Latvia.
The essence of the project is to design a cross-border innovation strategy and a support network to foster the development of new technologies across the entire marine industry value chain. The project objectives include:
- Joint research and development (R&D),
- Strengthening the ecosystem,
- Influencing policy for marine technology development,
- Strengthening cooperation links,
- Building ecosystem capacity,
- Reducing knowledge gaps,
- Supporting SMEs and start-ups.
In line with the EU Green Deal and regional smart specialisation strategies, the strategic framework focuses on introducing marine technology innovations in areas such as marine energy, smart ships and ports, sustainable use of marine resources, and marine ecosystem protection.
The main task of the Freeport of Ventspils Authority is to conduct a feasibility study for the Green and Blue Economy Technology Innovation Centre (WP3 – Work Package No. 3) and a hydrogen valorisation study. However, the Freeport of Ventspils Authority is also foreseen to participate in other work packages.
The project is planned to be implemented through cooperation among various stakeholders and institutions, including:
- Academic institutions (research institutions): Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), University of Tartu (Estonia), Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology,
- Public sector (state administration): Environmental Investment Centre, Kurzeme Planning Region, Saaremaa Development Centre, Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA),
- Business sector (industry): Estonian Marine Industry Association, Freeport of Ventspils Authority,
- Non-governmental organisations: World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Association “Baltijas Krasti”, and the Council of the Baltic Sea States.
Lead partner: Environmental Investment Centre (Sihtasutus Keskkonnainvesteeringute Keskus), Estonia.
This project has received funding from the EU’s Horizon Europe program, under the Excellence Hubs sub-programme (HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ACCESS-07-01). Total project funding: EUR 4,999,822.50, of which EUR 369,450.00 is allocated to the Freeport of Ventspils Authority. Project implementation period: from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2028.