Hub Azul Costa Atlântica | Região Coimbra

Leader:

Consortium:

Location:

The Hub Azul Costa Atlântica – Coimbra Region is located along the Atlantic coast of Coimbra (NUT III), covering the municipalities of Figueira da Foz, Mira, and Cantanhede. This strategic area brings together valuable coastal and estuarine ecosystems, such as the Mondego Estuary and Barrinha de Mira, making it a prime setting for Blue Economy innovation. Its proximity to ports, industrial zones, urban centers, and academia, as well as national and international knowledge networks, strengthens its role as a platform connecting science, technology, industry, and coastal communities.

Technological and testing capabilities:

It integrates and coordinates a diverse set of infrastructure and technological resources distributed among its partners:

  • Coastal and environmental monitoring infrastructure (weather stations, water quality systems, mobile platforms, and scientific vessels).
  • Specialised laboratories and technology centres, including SEAPOWER for the development and testing of innovative solutions.
  • Infrastructure to support environmental research and education, such as the Figueira da Foz Coastal Research Centre and the Mira Fish Farms.
  • Collaborative digital platforms for knowledge management and data sharing between partners and stakeholders.
  • Maritime interpretation and culture spaces to promote ocean literacy and appreciation of local traditions, such as Arte Xávega.

Skills:

The Hub focuses on areas of expertise that respond to the main challenges and opportunities of the marine economy, combining science, technology and innovation to generate economic, social and environmental impact.

These areas include: 

  • Offshore engineering, covering sectors such as aquaculture, ocean renewable energy and shipbuilding;
  • Adaptation to climate change, with the development of innovative solutions for coastal protection, environmental monitoring and increasing the resilience of ecosystems;
  • Blue biotechnology, dedicated to the valorisation of marine resources and the production of high added-value bioproducts;
  • Sustainable blue tourism, promoting the integration of ESG criteria and ocean literacy;
  • Circular economy and decarbonisation, with the application of low-impact technologies for energy transition and the sustainability of maritime and coastal sectors.

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