Barcelona is taking a major step towards strengthening its role in the blue economy, with the creation of three new key facilities that will boost research, training, innovation and entrepreneurship linked to the sea. These initiatives, which will come into operation between 2027 and 2028, are backed by an investment of 142 million euros and will be fundamental to the city’s maritime development. According to the authorities, these projects are also part of the legacy of the America’s Cup Sailing, acting as catalysts for Barcelona’s progress in this sector.
Blue economy in Barcelona
The mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, announced that the city council will allocate 142 million euros to these three innovative facilities. He stressed that the city has a unique economic opportunity thanks to its coastal location. The America’s Cup has served as a key driver for carrying out these projects, which are designed to take advantage of the potential of the blue economy, which encompasses all economic activities related to the sea.
Barcelona Maritime Technology Park (PTMB)
The first project is the Barcelona Maritime Technology Park (PTMB), an infrastructure that will be located at the new mouth of the port of Barcelona. This center will be a benchmark in maritime and nautical engineering research, and will have unique facilities, including a maritime activity modeling pool, specialized simulators and technology laboratories. The PTMB will also offer training in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC). With a budget of 56 million euros, 10 million will be financed by the UPC, while the rest will come from the city council. The project is scheduled to open in 2028 and will be managed by the Barcelona Nautical Capital Foundation, with the support of the Port of Barcelona and the Generalitat de Catalunya.
Blue Tech Port
The second facility, called Blue Tech Port, will be located at the Sant Bertran wharf and will be destined to become a hub for innovation in the blue economy. The project will transform the Tinglados de Sant Bertran into a 25,000 square meter space that will house innovative companies, startups and international organizations. The Port of Barcelona is leading this project with an investment of 56 million euros and will be managed by the World Trade Center. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2028, at which time the Blue Tech Port will become an engine for the development of maritime technology. It will also have an acceleration program for start-ups, fostering innovation in the sector.
Barcelona, Sea of Science (BCN MdC)
The third project, Barcelona Sea of Science (BCN MdC), will be a space dedicated to the dissemination of the blue economy and will be open to the public. Located in the Olympic Port, its objective is to promote citizen participation in marine science and environmental awareness. The BCN MdC will be managed by the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC) and will offer a variety of activities, such as exhibitions, immersive experiences, workshops and debates. In addition, it will serve as a space for scientific dissemination, promoting sustainability and innovation in sea-related topics. With a budget of 30 million euros, this project will be fully funded by the Barcelona City Council and will open in 2027.
A legacy of the America’s Cup of Sailing in blue economy
These three new facilities are part of the legacy that the America’s Cup will leave in Barcelona. They will serve as a catalyst for these projects that will reinforce the city’s leadership in the blue economy. According to the deputy mayor, Jordi Valls, the collaboration with various institutions such as the UPC, the Port of Barcelona, the Generalitat de Catalunya and the ICM-CSIC, has been key to launching these initiatives that will change the maritime and economic landscape of the city.
In addition to these projects, the Barcelona Blue Pavilion will also contribute to the development of the city’s coastline as a major sports and economic space. The Blue Pavilion covers five kilometers of coastline. This is from Port Vell to the Fòrum port. It also offers more than 40 sports modalities that include the sea in their activities.
Together, these three projects will boost the blue economy. But they will also position Barcelona as a center of international reference in innovation, technology and marine sustainability.
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