![](\"https:\/\/edenergy.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/EDE_News-Economia-Azul.png\" "\\"Eco")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>The sea has always been an integral part of Portuguese identity, but today it plays an even more strategic role: it is a driver of economic development, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability. This set of activities directly or indirectly linked to the ocean \u2014 from nautical tourism to aquaculture, submarine robotics, shipbuilding, renewable energy, and cellular food production \u2014 defines what we call the Blue Economy.<\/p>\n
Unparalleled potential<\/span> What is the Blue Economy? Key facts to understand the context<\/span> Portugal: A Unique Potential<\/p>\n Current Impact<\/p>\n Expanding Sectors<\/p>\n Global Trends (OECD 2050)<\/p>\n Key Challenges<\/p>\n Opportunities for Investors and SMEs<\/p>\n National Ocean Strategy 2021\u20132030<\/span> Portugal at the forefront of innovation<\/span> Current economic impact<\/span> International commitments and global vision<\/span> Challenges on the horizon<\/span> The future of the Blue Economy<\/span> Andreia Arenga All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or used, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of E.D.E. \u2013 Recycled Energy, Lda. All trademarks, company names, logos, and products mentioned are the property of their respective owners.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\nPortugal has one of the largest Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) in Europe, with 1.7 million square kilometers, about 18 times the size of its mainland territory. If the proposal to extend the continental shelf is approved, this area could reach about 4 million square kilometers, placing the country among those with the largest maritime areas in the world.
\nThis vast submerged territory represents an \u201cocean\u201d of economic opportunities, from the sustainable exploitation of resources to the development of cutting-edge maritime technologies and infrastructures.<\/p>\n
\nThe Blue Economy encompasses all activities connected to the sea, from fishing and nautical tourism to offshore renewable energy, submarine robotics, and marine biotechnology, with a focus on the sustainable use of ocean resources.<\/p>\n\n
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\nThe National Ocean Strategy (NOS), updated and approved in 2021, guides maritime policies until 2030, combining sustainable development, economic valorization, and environmental protection. The document defines 13 priority areas, including science and innovation, biodiversity, bioeconomy, fisheries and aquaculture, renewable energy, ports and transport, and maritime security.
\nIts ambitious goal: increase the GVA of the maritime economy by up to 30% by 2030, raising its contribution to around 7% of the national economy.<\/p>\n
\nOne of the most promising sectors is offshore renewable energy. The country is already a pioneer with WindFloat Atlantic, the world\u2019s first semi-submersible floating offshore wind farm, operational since 2020 off the coast of Viana do Castelo.
\nWith the Offshore Renewable Energy Allocation Plan, Portugal plans to install up to 9.4 GW of capacity, with the first auction scheduled for 2025 and an estimated \u20ac9 billion investment. This strategy could position the country as a global reference in maritime energy transition.<\/p>\n
\nAccording to data from the Ocean Satellite Account, the ocean economy accounted for 3.9% of national GVA between 2016\u20132018, with growth of 18.5% during this period \u2014 almost double that of the national economy. The sector employs about 4% of the active population, surpassing areas such as agriculture and forestry.<\/p>\n
\nPortugal took part in the Nice Ocean Commitments (UNOC3, 2025), which set global goals to halt marine degradation, combat illegal fishing, strengthen ocean science, and mobilize financing for a sustainable Blue Economy. These commitments align with OECD projections, which foresee that the global ocean economy\u2019s GVA will nearly double by 2050, from \u20ac2.42 trillion to \u20ac4.7 trillion.<\/p>\n
\nDespite its potential, the path requires caution: climate change, overfishing, pollution, and pressure on marine ecosystems threaten the resilience of oceans. Deep-sea mining and the exploitation of non-living resources demand strict regulation to avoid irreversible damage.<\/p>\n
\nThe future lies in integrating science, technology, and sustainable governance, ensuring that economic growth does not compromise the health of marine ecosystems. With a strategic location, vast resources, and a national policy aligned with global goals, Portugal has unique conditions to lead the transformation of the Blue Economy, making the sea not only part of its history but also of its future prosperity.<\/p>\n<\/div>
\n25.08.2025<\/p>\n<\/div>