Ports at the Heart of the Blue Economy – Ocean Economy to Grow to $3 Trillion by 2030

An overwhelming 80% of global goods trade relies on maritime transport, making ports essential hubs in the international trade network. In addition to traditional maritime activities like cargo handling and shipbuilding, ports also support marine industries such as fisheries, defense, tourism, and natural resource management. These sectors form part of the broader ocean economy, which the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) estimates will grow to $3 trillion by 2030, even without significant changes to current practices.

Ports play a crucial role in fostering the sustainable growth of this ocean economy, acting as landlords, operators, regulators, and environmental stewards. By working within public-private partnerships, ports can help promote sustainable development and ensure that economic growth is aligned with environmental responsibility.

In recent years, the concept of the ocean economy has shifted to focus on sustainability, now embodied by the term “blue economy.” The World Bank defines the blue economy as the sustainable use of ocean resources to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods, all while preserving the health of marine ecosystems.

Located at the intersection of urban and coastal environments, ports are often on the frontlines of environmental issues, dealing with the impacts of climate change and aging infrastructure. This unique position allows them to both experience these challenges firsthand and leverage their resources to address them. While solutions to ocean-related problems are already in place, further advancements in blue technology and innovation are essential for long-term progress.

Ports have the potential to be environmental leaders by adopting innovative technologies and partnering with businesses and communities to protect and enhance coastal ecosystems. These efforts can lead to the development of resilient coastal infrastructure, support for aquaculture, and advances in marine technology, all of which benefit the economy, environment, and local communities.

A prime example of this forward-thinking approach is the Port of San Diego’s Blue Economy Incubator, launched in 2016 to foster the growth of new blue economy ventures along San Diego Bay. The incubator removes barriers for entrepreneurs, offering funding, key assets, and support services to facilitate pilot projects. To date, it has launched ten pilot projects focused on areas like environmental remediation, sustainable aquaculture, and nature-based solutions.

This incubator represents a novel business model, allowing the port to collaborate with early-stage companies by providing resources such as subject matter expertise, permitting assistance, market access, media relations, and funding. These partnerships not only support the development of innovative projects but also offer valuable insights into future blue economy opportunities.

One standout project from the incubator is ECOncrete, an Israeli company that developed an innovative concrete technology designed to create nature-inclusive marine infrastructure. This eco-engineered concrete, when used in coastal construction, provides habitats for marine life while protecting shorelines and promoting biodiversity. ECOncrete tested its technology in San Diego in 2020, installing tide pool units designed to replace traditional rip-rap. Within two months, marine species began to inhabit these structures, demonstrating their potential to enhance both ecological and infrastructure resilience.

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