Yes, Barcelona has long linked its shores to the rhythm of urban life. With the Olympic Games as a turning point, the city now foregrounds its beaches as a source of economic vitality. Public-private initiatives are driving a strategy that positions Barcelona as a leading hub for the blue economy. The goal is to transform the coastline into a living innovation center that supports new maritime ventures and attracts international organizations and events. The Americas Cup and other sailing milestones have helped illuminate this energy and focus.
The blue economy is defined here as activity tied to the oceans, emphasizing sustainability — a parallel to the green economy. Anna Majó, who leads Barcelona Active and oversees business innovation in the blue economy, explains this emphasis. Port work, fishing, maritime research, marine bioeconomy, and the development of new nautical solutions already contribute about 4 billion euros in income and employ more than 16,200 people in the city.
A cruise ship with cranes behind it docks at the Port of Barcelona.
Double the size by 2030
Management teams assess the sector by looking at its future potential. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development projects the blue economy could double in size by 2030, a target that aligns with Barcelona’s plans. Raquel Gil, council member for Economic Incentive and Workforce, notes that diversification is the bet: the city has a long tradition with the sea and now adds the value of quality and sustainability to the blue economy, signaling growth through collaboration across all players involved.
A view of boats in the Marina Vela area underscores the ongoing momentum.
Work is continuing
The regional government identified the opportunity early and formed an alliance with the Americas Cup organizers. Initiatives such as promoting green hydrogen on supporting ships and launching campaigns to attract blue economy investments are part of the broader strategy.
Maria Dolors Núñez Sanchez, head of Acció’s Analysis and Technological Opportunity Identification Team, discusses a holistic vision of marine technologies. A forthcoming presentation aims to demonstrate how blue economy initiatives can unlock Catalonia-wide impact and coordinate action across the sector.
Appointment at Fira de Barcelona
This week also marks the start of a Technical Tour focused on the Blue Economy, featuring about thirty startups presenting to international investors. The event is a collaboration between the Port of Barcelona and Tech Barcelona, which has established a permanent space in Palau de Mar to host national and international entrepreneurial ventures linked to ports, logistics, and other disruptive blue economy sectors.
The congress, held the same week, gathers experts, scientists, companies, and institutions to explore job opportunities and climate-related mitigation strategies. Solutions span high-seas energy, water management, biodiversity, finance, port transformation, and sustainable maritime transport.
Startups and education
Barcelona Activa has accelerated 23 blue economy initiatives in the last two years, including the BBlue program in collaboration with the Port of Barcelona, UPC, Nautic Cluster, Costa Cruises and other partners in the ecosystem.
The city aims to nurture quality economic activity and emphasizes new professional fields created by the blue economy. A review of in-demand professions led Barcelona Activa to provide more than 5,000 hours of free training for these roles.
Barcelona also seeks to attract investments and to serve as a global hub for international events. In April, the city will host the Ocean Decade Conference. It has been selected as the permanent headquarters of a global cross-sector alliance that brings together leaders from all maritime industries.