The AquaWind project is set to make waves at the upcoming European Ocean Days 2024, organized for the first time and scheduled to take place from March 4 to March 8, 2024, in Brussels. The project, funded under the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), will be among the distinguished participants highlighting innovative solutions to pressing challenges faced by the ocean and coastal areas.
As part of the week-long event, AquaWind will be featured in the poster exhibition on March 6, during the “Where next for Europe’s Seas?” session, alongside other EU-funded projects and initiatives. This exhibition aims to showcase inspiring and sustainable solutions across various maritime domains.
The European Ocean Days will cover a range of topics over the week, including the EU Mission Ocean and Waters, future priorities for Europe’s Seas, blue innovation, and investment opportunities, as well as ocean literacy activities.
AquaWind, an innovative multi-use prototype combining offshore renewable energy and aquaculture in the Atlantic Basin, is one of 21 projects and initiatives funded under four EU programs managed by the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (CINEA). These programs include the EMFAF, Horizon Europe, LIFE Programme, and the Innovation Fund.
Other noteworthy projects to be presented include:
- FreShER: Sustainable moorings for marinas and floating solar (EMFAF)
- TWINNEDbySTARS: Increasing the competitiveness of the maritime tourism sector in the Outermost Regions (EMFAF)
- WIN-BIG: Empowering Women across EU Blue Economy (EMFAF)
- European Atlas of the Seas: An Ocean Literacy Tool Powered by EMODnet for Wider Society (EMFAF)
- OLAMUR: Offshore Low-trophic Aquaculture in Multi-Use Scenario Realisation (Horizon Europe Climate – EU Mission Ocean)
- SustainSea: Wind-Assisted Propulsion Revolution (Innovation Fund)
The AquaWind project, along with its counterparts, aims to contribute to the broader mission of restoring and preserving the ocean and waters, aligning with the objectives set by the European Union. The week-long event promises to be a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and showcasing the collective efforts invested in securing the future of Europe’s seas.
For those interested in participating, various events are scheduled throughout the week, including the Mission Restore our Ocean & Waters Forum, the Where next for Europe’s Seas? discussion, the BlueInvest Day, and the Ocean Literacy in Action session. AquaWind invites stakeholders, enthusiasts, and the general public to join these events and be part of the dialogue shaping the future of Europe’s maritime landscape here: https://maritime-forum.ec.europa.eu/form/european-ocean-days-registration_en
To stay updated on AquaWind and the other projects, visit the official European Ocean Days website and explore the diverse initiatives contributing to the sustainable development of European seas.