Where is capital moving across the Blue Economy — and what is shaping the next phase of maritime transformation?
This edition of Blue Compass – Investment Trends Monitor analyses Q2 2026 venture capital activity across Blue Economy value chains, highlighting where capital is concentrating, which sectors are gaining momentum, and what this signals for the future of ocean innovation.
This quarter, the report focuses on Shipping & Ports, selected as the Sector of the Quarter. Investment activity points to the growing importance of digitalisation, maritime autonomy, operational efficiency and smarter port systems, while highlighting the gap between the sector’s transformation needs and current investment depth.
The report also looks across the wider Blue Economy, tracking activity in Blue Renewable Energy, Aquaculture, Bluetech & Ocean Observation, Blue Biotechnology, Water Management and Environmental Protection & Regeneration, where capital is supporting a broader mix of technologies, from renewable energy and alternative aquafeeds to ocean monitoring, water treatment and restoration solutions.
This edition includes expert perspectives from Fabrice Maire, Chairman of the European Network of Maritime Clusters, on the transformation of Europe’s shipping and ports sector, and Vítor Franco Correia, President of ENIDH, on the skills and emerging technologies shaping the future of maritime professionals. The report also features insights from João Pedro Neves, Chairman of the Board of Directors of APDL, on the importance of anticipating needs and responding to changes in demand and logistics chains.
