Hub Azul Atlantic Coast | Coimbra Region
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Consortium:
Location:
The Coimbra Region Atlantic Coast Hub is located on the Atlantic coastline of the NUT III Coimbra Region, covering three municipalities with direct links to the sea: Figueira da Foz, Mira and Cantanhede. This strategic location includes coastal and estuarine ecosystems of great environmental and economic importance, such as the Mondego Estuary and the Mira Barrinha, making it a privileged territory for innovation and the development of the blue economy. Its proximity to port infrastructures, industrial areas, urban centres and academia, as well as its connection to national and international knowledge networks, reinforces its position as a platform for linking science, technology, industry and coastal communities.
Technological and testing capacities:
It integrates and articulates a diverse set of infrastructures and technological resources distributed among its partners:
- Coastal and environmental monitoring infrastructures (meteorological stations, water quality systems, mobile platforms and scientific vessels).
- Specialised laboratories and technology centres, including SEAPOWER, for developing and testing innovative solutions.
- Infrastructures to support environmental research and education, such as the Figueira da Foz Coastal Research Centre and the Mira Fish Nurseries.
- Collaborative digital platforms for knowledge management and data sharing between partners and stakeholders;
- Maritime culture and interpretation spaces to promote ocean literacy and valorise local traditions, such as the Xávega Art.
Competences:
The Hub focuses on areas of specialisation that respond to the main challenges and opportunities of the maritime 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 energies 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 bioproducts with high added value;
- Sustainable blue tourism, promoting the integration of ESG criteria and ocean literacy;
- The circular economy and decarbonisation, with the application of low-impact technologies for the energy transition and sustainability of the maritime and coastal sectors.
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