Barcelona bets on blue economy

The Port of Barcelona and the City Council signed a collaboration agreement to develop a blue economy hub during the Barcelona ReAct days. This agreement represents a step forward towards a more sustainable maritime economy, as well as a commitment to the future for the economic development of Barcelona. The pact signed by the two institutions will also be passed on to some 30 social and economic stakeholders in the sector.

This hub will be located in a space of about 7,500 square meters between the Mestral dock, the Marina dock, and the breakwater of the Olympic Port. The transformation of the Olympic Port has already begun, which will become a neighborhood space linked to the sea. The aim is to turn it into a place of marine dissemination, nautical and nautical sports, as well as the promotion of quality catering. Besides, it aims to be a center of innovation and talent attraction, which will generate economic activity and employment, creating around 200 new jobs in its first phase.

The importance of the maritime sector for Barcelona

The Catalan capital has a total of 16.67 km of coastline and four ports: the Port of Barcelona, the Olympic Port, the Port Vell, and the Port of the Forum. Right now, the sector generates around 15,000 jobs and represents 4.3% of Barcelona’s total GDP.

What is the blue economy?

We introduced the concept of “green economy” into our vocabulary some time ago, the sector that aims to improve human well-being and reduce environmental risks. Along the same lines, the blue economy also works towards sustainable economic development and reducing environmental costs, but focuses on the economic activity of the maritime sector. Thus, the blue economy encompasses the activities of logistics, fishing, shipbuilding industry, sport and leisure, energy, science, and technology linked to the sea and oceans.

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