GLENN MARC A.

MEJASCO BSME 4A

BLUE ECONOMY
The blue economy, or the ocean economy, is a term used to describe the economic
activities associated with the oceans and seas. The World Bank defines the blue economy
as the “sustainable use of ocean resources to benefit economies, livelihoods and ocean
ecosystem health”. The activities commonly understood to represent the blue economy
include maritime shipping, fishing and aquaculture, coastal tourism, renewable energy,
water desalination, undersea cabling, seabed extractive industries and deep-sea mining,
marine genetic resources, and biotechnology.
The blue economy is estimated to be worth more than US$1.5 trillion per year
globally. It provides over 30 million jobs and supplies a vital source of protein to over three
billion people. While it has been eclipsed in recent years by a greater focus on the ‘green
economy’ (that is, the role of primarily land-based activities in the economic
transformation required to transition to a low-carbon future), a renewed interest in the blue
economy (also sometimes referred to ‘blue growth’) is indicated by the OECD prediction
that the ocean economy may double in size to $3 trillion by 2030.
There is also increasing investment by governments and companies in nature-
based solutions to climate change provided by the oceans. These include carbon
sequestration, coastal protection, biodiversity conservation and waste management.
https://www.lse.ac.uk/granthaminstitute/explainers/what-is-the-role-of-the-blueeconomy-
inasustainablefuture/#:~:text=The%20blue%20economy%2C%20or%20the,livelihoods
%20and%20ocean%20ecosystem%20health%E2%80%9D.

Oceans, seas and coastal areas contribute to food security and poverty
eradication. Over three billion people use the oceans for sustenance and 80% of world
trade occurs over the seas.
But we are people and the way in which we exploit nature is the main threat to
oceans. We prioritize economic benefits at the expense of environmental degradation
and, as a consequence, the sea is being acidified, polluted, its temperature is rising, and
species are being rendered extinct.
The problems suffered by marine ecosystems have repercussions well beyond the
coasts. They threaten the whole planet, our means of feeding ourselves, and life as we
know it. This is why urgent action is needed to protect the oceans and the people
depending on them.
With this in mind, the blue economy was born, a concept which includes all the
activities linked to water, the sea and oceans. It’s based not only on the traditional usage
such as fishing and aquaculture, but also combines a broader vision of activities which
can offer important sources of sustainable, economic development.
https://www.activesustainability.com/water/blue-economy/?_adin=02021864894

What does the blue economy consist of?

According to this report from the European Union (EU), the blue economy
encompasses all the sectoral and inter-sectoral economic activities based on, or
connected to, the oceans, seas and coasts.
 It includes existing sectors such as fishing, coastal tourism and maritime transport,
as well as focusing on the development of new emerging industries which hardly existed
20 years ago, such as blue carbon sequestration, the production of offshore renewable
energy, and biotechnology. Activities which create opportunities for business,
development and employment, but also tackle climate change.
According to the latest statistics, established sectors of the EU blue economy
generated around 4.45 million jobs, 667.2 billion euros of revenue and 183.9 billion in
gross added value.
The related report highlights that the living resource sector (fishing and agriculture)
is one of those to have experienced largest growth. In 2019, it achieved gross profit valued
at 7.2 billion euros, 41% up on 2009. Similarly, the offshore renewable energy sector
(mainly wind power) is growing, creating 17% more jobs in 2019 than in 2018.
The report especially focuses on offshore wind energy growth. The first offshore
wind farm was erected in 1991 off Denmark, and the number of offshore wind farms had
risen to 162 in 2020, according to the World Forum Offshore Wind (WFO). The
International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Offshore Wind Outlook 2019, says offshore wind
energy has the potential to generate more than 18 times current world electricity demand.
https://www.activesustainability.com/water/blue-economy/?_adin=02021864894

How does the blue economy help the planet?

The blue economy seeks to resolve some of the great challenges facing the world
population. It is considered by the European Union to be a key element both of the
European Green Deal and the economic recovery following the coronavirus crisis. “It is
also indispensable for complying with the European Union’s environmental and climate
goals,” says the European Commission.
The oceans are not only a source of jobs and wealth. The life of the planet and
correct functioning of ecosystem services are sustained by marine ecosystems. The blue
economy thus has the potential to achieve a sustainable development which does not
compromise life on Earth tomorrow.
The blue economy contributes to climate change mitigation through the
development of renewable energies on the high seas, the decarbonization of maritime
transport, and ecologicalization of ports. Similarly, the green infrastructure development
in coastal areas will help to preserve biodiversity and landscapes, while benefiting tourism
and coastal economies. It is also the brand under which projects are launched to develop
the sector’s circular economy, recycling vessels and removing disused offshore platforms.
The blue economy gives us the opportunity to produce economic resources related
to the oceans, while restoring damaged ecosystems and introducing innovative
technology that helps us efficiently and sustainably manage everything the seas can offer
us.
https://www.activesustainability.com/water/blue-economy/?_adin=02021864894
 BLUE-ECONOMY APPLICATIONS RELATED TO THE FIELD OF
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
1. Marine Robotics
Without robots, monitoring and surveillance missions in the seas are time and labor-
intensive. Nowadays, marine robots augment manual workflows to replace humans in
dangerous environments and accelerate mission timelines. They explore the deep ocean
to understand the ocean surface and search for resources like oil and gas. Maritime
companies and fisheries also utilize robots for surveying and mapping the ocean floor to
protect marine ecosystems and plan sustainable offshore development. Apart from
monitoring coral reefs, robots track fish populations to aid fisheries management and
ecosystem conservation. Further, robots collect debris, such as plastic or oil, to safeguard
marine life and improve ocean quality.

Berkeley Marine Robotics offers an Autonomous Swarm Robot

Berkeley Marine Robotics is a US-based startup that develops an autonomous
underwater swarm robotic system to help ships reduce carbon emissions. It focuses on
autonomous swarm control and underwater wireless communication to enable fast, low-
cost, and automated ship inspections. The system measures and tracks hull-fouling levels
to optimize cleaning schedules and increase coating performance. Simultaneously, it
flags invasive species to the ports, thereby reducing delays in manual spot checks. These
swarm robots enable shipping operators to decrease fuel costs and comply with
International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) carbon emission reduction goals.

Ensight Marine Technology makes Marine Inspection Robots

Australian startup Ensight Marine Technology provides underwater inspection robots for
the maritime industry. Its remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are suitable for shallow
water inspection. The startup combines computer vision and laser pointers to provide fast
and effective diameter estimations at different depths. The ROVs also use top-view
cameras and image-stitching technology to capture high-quality data for maritime asset
condition monitoring. Ensight Marine Technology’s ROVs make the process of asset
condition assessment more efficient and save significant time for maritime consultants
and asset managers.

2. Blue Renewable Energy

Offshore renewable energy companies develop technologies for wave power, tidal power,
and ocean thermal energy conversion. They enable clean and reliable energy for coastal
communities as well as power marine operations. For example, wave energy systems
capture the kinetic energy of ocean waves and convert it into electricity. Utilities also
establish tidal power turbines in locations such as estuaries to enhance tidal range. They
also leverage ocean thermal energy by using the temperature difference between warm
surface water and cold deep water to generate power. Moreover, ocean waves and tides
are more reliable and predictable than other renewable sources like wind. Therefore,
energy producers integrate marine energy with wind or solar power systems to maximize
energy production.
Paddle Power Energy develops Tidal Power Turbines
Paddle Power Energy is a UK-based startup that deploys tidal energy turbines. The
company’s technology utilizes a linear water wheel design that is more efficient and cost-
effective than traditional tidal turbines. This allows the turbines to be water surface-based,
reducing their cost and enabling operation in shallow depths of water. The design also
avoids the creation of a vortex wake to maximize ongoing servicing, maintenance
efficiencies, and total power output. Due to the low cost of production and readily available
parts, Paddle Power Energy’s turbines are built easily in any commercial shipyard. With
a low cost of decommissioning, it provides a reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective
source of energy for businesses and general use.

TWEFDA provides a Wave Energy Converter (WEC)

Scottish startup TWEFDA develops ES-Wave, a wave energy converter that generates or
stores wave energy on demand. It converts the reciprocating heave of waves into
electrical energy and also functions as an energy storage device. Using the tidal range,
the machine delivers more energy than what it absorbs, making it a versatile and efficient
energy source to meet both baseload and peak demand. The startup also uses an
insulated box to protect fauna from noise and employs an eco-friendly fluid to prevent
marine ecosystem pollution in case of spillage. ES-Wave thus offers a higher capacity
factor, smaller spatial footprint, continuous resource availability, and easier maintenance
compared to regular wind turbines.

3. Ocean Pollution Management

The presence of plastics and other inorganic waste leads to the death of marine life and
ultimately affects the quality of life globally. Emerging companies develop innovative
solutions to manage ocean pollution like marine cleanup robots and waste-eating
bacteria. Some also develop microplastic filters to remove plastic particles and promote
climate-conscious operations to minimize wastage. Startups also develop biodegradable
alternatives to plastic packaging, which is the largest contributor to marine pollution.
Companies tackling ocean pollution also employ oil-absorbent sponges or hydrogels to
clean up oil spills. These solutions reduce the pollutants entering the ocean, protecting
marine life and coastal communities.

Sheco facilitates Robotic Oil Spill Recovery

Sheco is a South Korean startup that develops Sheco Ark, a robot to clean up oil spills in
water bodies. Its key functions include product transportation, product deployment, oil
recovery, and oil discharge. The robot is considerably lightweight and also supports
remote control or autonomous operation. After deployment in an oil spill region, Sheco
Ark moves around oil spills, intakes the oily water, filters the oil, and then releases the
water back while retaining the oil for disposal. The robots are also able to work in
dangerous and remote environments, making them ideal for cleaning up oil spills in hard-
to-reach areas.

PurOceans makes a Deep Water Rehabilitation System

Latvian startup PurOceans utilizes its air bubble technology to remove oil, microplastic,
and chemical pollution from the seabed. The startup’s deep water rehabilitation system
features a flotation method that does not require excavation, chemicals, or electricity. The
technology uses air bubbles to separate pollution from sand and soil at the bottom of the
seabed. It also avoids the use of chemicals and excavation, preserving waterbodies and
enriching it with oxygen. PurOceans’ technology helps environmental conservation
brands clean up the oceans while also improving the health of marine ecosystems.

4. Deep-Sea Mining
In the field of deep-sea mining, emerging innovations include remote-operated vehicles
(ROVs) and novel extraction technologies. They improve the efficiency and sustainability
of seabed mining processes. For instance, mining companies use heavy-duty ROVs with
manipulator arms to mine mineral-rich nodules and ore deposits. They also leverage
hydraulic systems and suction dredging to collect minerals without harming the marine
ecosystem. Further, real-time environmental monitoring systems assess the ecological
impact of mining. Innovations in resource recovery and processing, such as
hydrocyclones and magnetic separators, optimize mineral extraction by minimizing
waste. Lastly, deep-sea miners rely on deep-sea power generation and communication
systems to support efficient mining operations.

Bluefield Geoservices delivers Offshore Geotechnical Surveys

Bluefield Geoservices is a UK-based startup that facilitates offshore geotechnical surveys
for deep-sea mining companies. The startup deploys tools like cone penetration testing,
samplers, and T-Bar test equipment using underwater ROVs. The ROVs collect data on
the seabed in all water depths. Operators use the cone system to deploy a lightweight
unit for in situ soil testing or sampling using an ROV, trenching machine, or similar subsea
equipment. By providing data on the seabed, Bluefield Geoservices mitigates the risks of
accidents and injuries as well as improves the efficiency of offshore mining operations.

Glex facilitates Collaborative Mining

Norwegian startup Glex develops Glex Energy, an analysis and collaboration SaaS
platform for energy and seabed mining companies. It helps teams create, organize, and
analyze a digital twin of mining site exploration data for analysis. The platform also
provides a global mapping interface digital elevation models and point clouds that allow
users to view the mine or seabed data in both 2D and 3D domains. This visual
representation aids in planning mining operations, identifying potential risks, and
optimizing extraction processes. The Glex Energy platform assists in seabed mining by
providing tools for portfolio management, data analysis, visualization, and collaboration.
This, in turn, streamlines the management of mining assets, facilitates data-driven
decision-making, optimizes mining operations, and ensures compliance with
environmental regulations.

5. Marine Biotechnology
The applications of marine biotechnology, such as cytarabine and antiviral azidothymidine
from sponges, revolutionize cancer and viral treatments, energy production, and more.
Researchers study marine microorganisms for their unique metabolic capabilities,
enabling the production of enzymes, biofuels, and bioremediation agents. This enables
advances across industries. Omega-3 fatty acids from algae or fish oil, for example,
improve cardiovascular health and brain function. Companies are also developing ocean-
sourced bioplastics to offer biodegradable and renewable alternatives to conventional
plastics. Additionally, marine biotechnology deploys marine organisms and enzymes to
clean up pollution and oil spills, ensuring environmentally friendly bioremediation.

Marine BioEnergy manufacturers Kelp-based Biomass

Marine BioEnergy is a US-based startup that accelerates underwater kelp farming to
produce biomass for fuel, feed, and food. The startup grows kelp attached to large grids
in the ocean by permanently towing it with inexpensive automated robotic submarines.
This allows the kelp to grow in the extensive regions of the ocean with access to sunlight
and nutrients. The startup then processes the kelp into biocrude, which it uses to create
renewable energy, animal feed, and other products. Moreover, Marine BioEnergy
leverages hydrothermal liquefaction and catalytic hydrothermal gasification to process
wet kelp into bio-oil. These technologies provide a sustainable and scalable source of
renewable energy from ocean kelp.

TeOra manufactures a Vaccine for Aquaculture

Singaporean startup TeOra manufactures a vaccine for disease and pest management in
aquaculture. The startup derives high-quality ingredients from microbial cell cultures to
develop these biologicals. It also develops tailor-made biotechnology solutions with
collaboration and co-development for clients. Using microfluidics and AI, TeOra offers
faster and cheaper genetic reprogramming to design smart micro-organisms in shorter
time periods. This vaccine enables fish farmers to replace pesticides, antibiotics, and
other harmful chemicalswhile ensuring healthier shrimps and fishes.

6. Sustainable Aquaculture
Current aquaculture practices pollute water systems by discharging excess nutrients and
fecal matter into oceans. Sustainable aquaculture embraces innovative techniques like
recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) to reuse water, conserve resources, and reduce
pollution. Fishery companies also use integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) to
combine fish species and utilize nutrients more efficiently whilst increasing output.
Offshore aquaculture reduces conflict with other users of coastal resources and
minimizes the impacts on sensitive coastal ecosystems. Further, fisheries utilize recycled
fish feeds or algae-based products to reduce the pressure on wild fisheries. These
innovations drive the sustainability of aquaculture while minimizing the environmental
impact and maximizing the efficiency of marine resources

Ittinsect creates a Sustainable Fish Feed

Ittinsect is an Italian startup that develops Ittinsect Feed, a sustainable feed for
aquaculture. The startup produces an insect-based fish feed that is rich in protein and
nutrients as well as is more absorbable for fish digestion. This results in faster and more
constant growth, a stronger immune system, and a lower risk of digestive inflammation in
fish. The startup’s feed also generates fewer emissions than traditional feeds. It thus
enables fish farmers to provide sustainable and high-output aquaculture yields while
reducing their environmental impact.
Aqua Development advances Aquamimicry
South Korean startup Aqua Development uses KAMI sys, an aquamimicry technology to
produce sustainable aquaculture products. The startup mimics the natural environmental
conditions and factors of aquatic life in an indoor farm. KAMI sys provides more
productivity than traditional methods with higher survival rates and resilience to disease
for shrimps. It is also cost-effective and easily applicable to different types of aquatic
animals. This allows Aqua Development to produce high-quality and organic shrimp
without using harmful chemicals or antibiotics.

7. Ocean-Conscious Consumption
Consumers are increasingly choosing ocean-conscious products to protect the health and
well-being of the oceans. In response, companies experiment with biodegradable and
compostable packaging materials made from cornstarch or seaweed to reduce plastic
pollution. Cosmetic brands are developing personal care products with natural,
biodegradable ingredients to avoid harming marine life and water pollution. Startups are
also promoting sustainable seafood practices to minimize overfishing and ensure seafood
availability for the future. Textile and clothing companies are incorporating sustainable
materials like recycled ocean plastic to reduce the fashion industry’s environmental
impact. Additionally, the fishing industry is embracing innovative designs such as
biodegradable nets and smart nets to reduce harm to marine life. These collective efforts
demonstrate a shared commitment to preserving the oceans for generations to come.

Lumière provides Recycled Ocean Plastic Fabric

Lumière is a French startup that collects and recycles ocean plastic to manufacture
active-wear clothing. The startup utilizes plastic waste from oceans and landfill to create
its recycled fabric ECONYL. The fabric also possesses muscle-compressing properties
which decrease the production of lactic acid in the wearer’s body, thus aiding recovery
time after workouts. Lumière formulates ECONYL with ultraviolet light protection, making
it highly resistant to color-fading chlorine and sunscreen lotions. This ocean plastic-
derived fabric enables Lumiere to manufacture sustainable clothing for athletes while
aiding in the cleaning up of our oceans.

SCALE develops a Fish-Scale Biomaterial

French startup SCALE creates SCALITE, a sustainable material made from fish scales –
a byproduct of aquaculture. The startup collects fish scales from sustainable fisheries to
extract the collagen and transform them into durable, water-resistant tiles, sheets, and
blocks. SCALE extracts a natural biopolymer contained within fish scales to create the
basis for SCALITE. The high-performance material offers water resistance, thermal
insulation, and fire retardancy. Hospitality and retail companies use SCALITE for building
interiors and decoration. SCALE’s material is a circular and ocean-friendly solution that
reduces aquaculture waste while creating new opportunities for product design and
development.

8. Coastal Resilience
Government agencies develop and employ coastal resilience strategies to enhance the
ability of coastal areas to withstand and recover from the impacts of natural disasters and
climate change. Researchers develop advanced modeling techniques and real-time
monitoring systems to predict areas at high risk of flooding. Early warning systems further
provide timely alerts to residents and authorities, enabling evacuation and emergency
response efforts. Architects design floating homes and buildings that adapt to changing
water levels and reduce vulnerability to floods. Additionally, communities implement
techniques such as constructing offshore breakwaters or submerged barriers to help
dissipate wave energy before it reaches the coast. This reduces the impact of storms and
erosion on coastal communities.

Scientia Maris simplifies Coastal Monitoring

Scientia Maris is a Greek startup that makes software modules for coastal monitoring and
planning. It combines satellite imagery and AI for the prediction of wave propagation and
transformation in the nearshore. This enables the efficient planning and design of coastal
protection works and port layouts. Environmental agencies use it to analyze the risks and
impacts of coastal hazards, such as erosion, flooding, and storms. It also simulates the
propagation of waves in different directions, enabling the study of wave disturbances in
ports, harbors, and coastal areas. Further, analysis of seabed sediments enables
researchers to understand areas of seabed erosion and predict possible coastal
calamities. Scientia Maris’s platform provides decision support and visualization to help
stakeholders plan and implement adaptation strategies, enhancing their capacity to cope
with coastal challenges.

Reask facilitates Global Risk Mapping

Australian startup Reask develops AI-based global risk mapping software and modules
that focus on natural hazard prediction and simulation. For example, its DeepCyc,
ForeCyc, HindCyc, and Metryc help environmental organizations forecast their exposure
to catastrophic events. HindCyc and Metryc provide tropical cyclone wind maps and
landfall predictions, enabling residents to take precautionary measures and/or evacuate
in time. DeepCyc and ForeCyc offer global probabilistic hazard maps, historical and
stochastic event catalogs, and risk trend forecasting using climate signals. Reask’s
modules cover all aspects of natural catastrophe risk analytics, from tail risk assessment
to probabilistic trend forecasting and event reconstructions. This enables users to
accurately understand and predict natural hazards, and make decisions to trigger
appropriate coastal resilience measures.

9. Green Maritime Shipping

Maritime shipping companies employ alternative fuels like liquified natural gas (LNG),
biofuels, hydrogen, and ammonia to reduce emissions. They utilize electric, hybrid, and
auxiliary propulsion systems with batteries, fuel cells, and hybrids to further cut emissions.
The industry is also relying on aerodynamic hull designs, air lubrication, waste heat
recovery, LED lighting, and smart energy management to optimize fuel efficiency.
Additionally, shipping companies install scrubbers in ship exhausts to remove sulfur
dioxide and pollutants for air pollution control. Some also use ballast water treatment
systems to neutralize harmful organisms, minimizing ecological impact. Data analytics,
AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT) further enable better route planning, optimized vessel
performance, and real-time monitoring of emissions and energy consumption. These
innovations drive the maritime industry towards sustainability and a lower ecological
footprint.
Spaera builds a Net Zero Ship Prototype
Spaera is a UK-based maritime startup that offers Project Lovelock, a net-zero emission
prototype ship for the shipping industry. It leverages green methanol fuel cells to power
its engines, eliminating harmful emissions and reducing fuel costs. The ship also employs
an automated sails system to provide propulsive power under normal conditions. This
reduces crew workload and uses adverse weather conditions to its advantage. Project
Lovelock also utilizes a battery rechargeable via inbuilt solar panels to ensure sufficient
energy even when the ship is at the port. Spaera’s ship offers a way for shipping
companies to reduce emissions and save money while maintaining their current level of
efficiency and productivity.

ESG-NRG aids Maritime Carbon Offsetting

Norwegian startup ESG-NRG offers a marine offset platform (MOP). It features a suite of
tools and services that allow maritime shipping companies to track, measure, and offset
their carbon emissions. MOP utilizes algorithms that consider the vessel, cargo, and
operational variables to estimate emissions. It then offers quality carbon credits from pre-
screened projects that align with sustainable development goals (SDGs). The platform
also allows shipping companies to share their carbon certificates and mitigation strategies
on the public carbon ledger and gain recognition for their ESG efforts. ESG-NRG helps
them attract new customers, enhance their reputation, appeal to green capital, and boost
their net zero commitments.

10. Marine Biodiversity Enhancement

With the rise in excess fishing and mining activities, marine biodiversity is being hit hard.
Some environmental companies and startups are developing technologies and strategies
to preserve and enhance the quantity and quality of marine life. Artificial reef structures
leverage materials like concrete, steel, or sunken ships to provide new habitats for marine
organisms to thrive. Governmental agencies set up marine protected areas (MPA) as
specific zones where they regulate human activities to protect marine biodiversity. Some
environmental research companies also employ techniques like coral gardening to
cultivate and transplant coral fragments onto damaged reefs. Further, 3D printing of
artificial coral structures provides a substrate for coral colonization.

Archireef develops 3D-Printed Artificial Corals

Chinese startup Archireef uses 3D printing to create artificial coral reefs. The startup
combines computer programming, 3D printing, and traditional clay-making techniques to
ensure that tiles do not crack or change shape during the drying and firing process. It
designs its reef tiles using terracotta to provide a safe and stable habitat for marine life.
The startup also provides a range of benefits for the ocean, such as increased fish
populations, improved water quality, and reduced erosion. Archireef modules are easy to
install and deploy in a variety of marine environments. This makes the startup’s solution
a cost-effective and scalable means for businesses looking to improve marine
biodiversity.
Kelp Blue facilitates Ocean Re-Wilding
Kelp Blue is a Dutch startup that leverages rewilding to help mitigate climate change. It
grows and manages large-scale kelp forests, which absorb carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere and store it in their tissues. Kelp forests also provide food and shelter for
marine life, and manufacturers harvest kelp for sustainable products such as fertilizers,
pharmaceuticals, and textiles. Kelp forests provide ecosystem functions, habitat for
biodiversity, and benefits like reducing local acidity, raising oxygen levels and improving
water conditions. Kelp Blue’s ocean rewilding technique is scalable and cost-effective,
making it a viable solution for marine biodiversity enhancement.
https://www.startus-insights.com/innovators-guide/blue-economy-trends/