EU Blue Economy Sectors

Blue Biotechnology covers the exploration and application of marine biological resources that are not traditionally commercially exploited. It includes macro- and microalgae, bacteria, fungi, and invertebrates, which are increasingly used as feedstock for food, feed, pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, cosmetics, and industrial applications within the blue bioeconomy.

Desalination involves the production of freshwater from seawater and brackish water and is increasingly important as pressure on freshwater resources grows. This sector includes technologies, infrastructure, and services that support sustainable water supply solutions, particularly in water-scarce coastal regions.

The Marine Living Resources sector covers the harvesting and cultivation of renewable biological resources from the sea. It includes fisheries, aquaculture, processing, and distribution activities that convert marine biomass into food, feed, and other products across the value chain.

Marine Renewable Energy focuses primarily on offshore wind energy, which represents the largest and most mature segment of this sector. It also includes emerging ocean energy technologies such as wave and tidal energy, which are addressed in more detail under the broader ocean energy framework.

Maritime transport plays a central role in global trade and mobility and is expected to make a crucial contribution to the EU decarbonisation agenda. The sector includes passenger transport, freight transport, and a wide range of supporting services such as leasing and renting of water transport equipment.

The Research and Innovation sector focuses on European research programmes and innovation activities related to the Blue Economy. It includes scientific research, technological development, and innovation enabled through EU Research and Innovation funding, supporting the advancement and competitiveness of all Blue Economy sectors.

Coastal tourism is a major contributor to the economies of many EU Member States. Within the EU Blue Economy framework, it includes cruise and maritime tourism and is structured around three main sub-sectors: accommodation, transport, and other tourism-related expenditures linked to coastal and maritime activities.

Infrastructure and robotics encompasses the development, construction, and deployment of critical marine infrastructure and advanced technologies. It includes submarine cables, marine robotics, autonomous systems, digital solutions, and enabling technologies that support a wide range of Blue Economy activities.

The Marine Non-Living Resources sector comprises the extraction and use of non-living marine resources. It includes the extraction of crude oil and natural gas, the mining of other marine minerals such as salt, and support activities associated with the offshore extractive industries.

The Maritime Defence sector covers maritime defence as well as maritime security and surveillance activities. It includes technologies, systems, and services that support both military and civilian applications, with increasing emphasis on innovation, digitalization, and dual-use solutions.

Port activities are key enablers of trade, economic development, and employment in Europe. This sector includes cargo handling, warehousing and storage, as well as port and water infrastructure projects and service activities incidental to waterborne transport.

The Shipbuilding and Repair sector includes the construction, maintenance, and repair of ships and floating structures. It also covers the manufacturing of equipment and machinery such as engines, turbines, textiles, ropes, nets, and components used in commercial, leisure, and sporting vessels.