OCEANOVATION

🚢 World’s First Wind-Powered Container Ship to Connect France and Madagascar 🌬️ French maritime cooperative Windcoop has commissioned the world’s first wind-powered container ship, marking a bold step toward decarbonizing maritime transport. Built by RMK Marine in Turkey and set to launch in 2027. The €28.5M project is partly funded by over 1,600 citizen investors and committed shippers, alongside impact investors such as La Nef, pour la banque éthique, Bretagne Capital Solidaire, Crédit Mutuel Arkéa, SIDI, Inddigo, and Mer Invest. 💲 Backed by a loan from Fondation Banque Populaire et Crédit Maritime Grand Ouest with a Bpifrance guarantee, the project showcases a new model for ethical, sustainable shipping. Windcoop is already planning a second vessel to ensure monthly service frequency. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/daJJaKYF #Windcoop #GreenShipping #SustainableTransport #MaritimeInnovation #WindPropulsion #CooperativeEconomy #Decarbonisation #ClimateAction

🌊 Swedish Algae Factory Raises €3M to Scale Sustainable Diatom Products 🌿 Gothenburg-based Swedish Algae Factory has secured €3M in fresh funding from new and existing investors, including Chalmers Ventures to boost the production and global reach of its innovative algae-based material, Algica. The patented material, derived from the silica shells of diatoms, offers a sustainable alternative to harmful chemicals across multiple industries. The fresh capital will support production scale-up at its commercial facility in Western Sweden, as well as accelerate product development and market expansion. The goal is to broaden the use of Algica as a sustainable, high-performance alternative to conventional materials across industries. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gNKSzT33 #GreenTech #DeepTech #AlgaeInnovation #SustainableMaterials #CleanTech #ChalmersVentures #CircularEconomy #Bioeconomy #ClimateSolutions

🚢 Green Methanol Emerges as Leading Candidate for Climate-Neutral Shipping 🌱 A new report by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), commissioned by Greenpeace, highlights green methanol as the most promising synthetic fuel to decarbonise international shipping — cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 96% over a ship’s life cycle. While it offers major climate benefits, the shift to green methanol comes with challenges: larger onboard storage needs, limited market availability, and high costs. For Germany alone, the sector could require up to 5.7 million tonnes per year. Researchers say no single fuel will dominate — the future of shipping will likely involve a mix, tailored to ship types and routes. As the International Maritime Organization meets this week, Greenpeace is calling for binding alternative fuel quotas and a CO₂ price to accelerate progress. Read more: https://lnkd.in/d-aDwC8f #GreenMethanol #CleanShipping #DecarboniseMaritime #IMO #ClimateAction #AlternativeFuels #SustainableTransport #MaritimeEnergy

🚢🌍 Ocean Visions just launched the Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) Ecosystem Database! This powerful new tool maps the expanding network of organizations driving innovation in marine carbon removal — from researchers and NGOs to funders, startups, registries, and governments. Originally developed by [C]Worthy and now expanded by Ocean Visions, the database supports collaboration, transparency, and sustainable development in a field with huge climate potential — and real challenges around scale, regulation, and long-term impacts. Read more 👉 https://lnkd.in/ddpdjUAt #OceanClimate #mCDR #CarbonRemoval #ClimateInnovation #BlueCarbon #SustainableOceans #MarineTech #OceanVisions #ClimateAction

🚀 Time for Your Weekly Ocean Innovation Roundup!💡 Let's dive in 🔍 🌊 RIKEN researchers have created a strong, lightweight plastic that fully dissolves in saltwater within 8.5 hours—offering a game-changing solution to ocean microplastic pollution. https://lnkd.in/dGZPux2w 🌊 First Water has raised €39 million in equity to complete the first phase of its land-based salmon farming facility in Þorlákshöfn. https://lnkd.in/dWd_6dkg 🌊 Startups like Notpla, Evoware, and Zerocircle are pioneering the development of seaweed-based packaging solutions across the UK, Indonesia, and India. https://lnkd.in/drhDtEU3 🌊 Startups backed by the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC) have secured £150 million in private equity, supported by its £7 million TechX Accelerator. https://lnkd.in/ddPSNhUv 🌊 Massachusetts Institute of Technology has launched the MIT Maritime Consortium to advance autonomous navigation and maritime decarbonisation, bringing together leading industry players to drive innovation and establish new standards for shipping technologies. https://lnkd.in/dmKcp-VJ 🌊 The #H2ESTIA project, led by Nederlandse Innovatie Maatschappij (NIM BV), aims to create the world’s first zero-emission cargo ship powered by liquid hydrogen, with support from TNO, MARIN (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands), and University of Twente, along with other partners. https://lnkd.in/dTD7tcg3 🌊 Koz Surfboards, founded by Thibault Fournel and Pierre Thomas in Brittany, France, uses mycelium to create eco-friendly, high-performance surfboards. https://lnkd.in/dHZf_zWy 🌊 DMEC (Dutch Marine Energy Centre) has launched the first support call for the Offshore Accelerator for System Integration and Storage (OASIS) project to support startups and SMEs working on offshore energy storage and system integration solutions. https://lnkd.in/eHVNG-mC 🌊 Dutch firm Slow Mill Wave Power has completed successful offshore trials of its wave energy converter prototype off Scheveningen, demonstrating its ability to generate electricity in harsh North Sea conditions. https://lnkd.in/dzw9Cr2z 🌊 A new study in Nature Climate Change highlights the rapid expansion of marine-climate projects aimed at tackling climate change, but warns that the pace of development is outstripping effective governance. https://lnkd.in/dxiv4viN 🌊 Microsoft and Carbon Direct have teamed up to create a new standard for marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) to ensure ocean-based carbon capture methods are effective and scientifically sound. https://lnkd.in/dNHKaKgh 🌊 ICODOS, a spin-off from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), has launched the "Mannheim 001" facility at Mannheim's sewage treatment plant, converting biogas and green hydrogen into carbon-neutral e-methanol for marine fuel. https://lnkd.in/d3xV56BU #OCEANOVATION #WeeklyRoundup

OECD - OCDE Calls for Stronger Global Cooperation to Sustain $2.6 Trillion Ocean Economy 🌍 🌊💰 The ocean economy has doubled in real terms since 1995, reaching $2.6 trillion in 2020. However, a new OECD report warns that without coordinated policy action, its long-term sustainability is at risk. 📈 The report highlights key priorities such as strengthening ocean management, accelerating the transition from fossil fuels, and adopting digital technologies. It also calls for deeper collaboration with developing nations to balance economic opportunity with marine conservation. With forward-looking scenarios to 2050, the OECD warns that failure to invest in productivity and clean energy could shrink the ocean economy by 20% below 2020 levels. Conversely, innovation and sustainability efforts could drive continued—though slower—growth. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dzArvqS3 #OceanEconomy #Sustainability #BlueGrowth #OECD

First Water Secures €39M to Advance Land-Based Salmon Farming in Iceland 🐟🌍 Icelandic aquaculture company First Water has raised €39 million in fresh equity to complete the first phase of its hybrid flow-through salmon farming facility in Þorlákshöfn. The funding round was backed by existing investors, including Stodir Hf, FW Horn slhf., Framherji ehf., Lífeyrissjóður verzlunarmanna , Brú lífeyrissjóður, Líra ehf., and LSR. This brings First Water’s total equity funding to €161 million, with overall secured financing now at €240 million. CEO Eggert Kristofersson called the investment "a powerful endorsement" from shareholders, highlighting strong international demand for premium land-based salmon. Once completed by 2030, the facility will produce 50,000 tonnes annually, using clean groundwater filtered through volcanic rock. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dWd_6dkg #Aquaculture #SustainableFarming #Iceland #Innovationad

A Game-Changer for Ocean Plastic Pollution 🌊♻️ RIKEN researchers have developed a revolutionary biodegradable plastic that dissolves in saltwater within just 8.5 hours—offering a powerful solution to microplastic pollution. Made from supramolecular polymers, this material is as strong and lightweight as conventional plastics but breaks down into non-toxic elements when exposed to ocean water. The team discovered that combining a food additive with fertilizer-based monomers forms durable yet degradable bonds called salt bridges. These "locks" provide strength but break apart in salt water, allowing the plastic to dissolve quickly. This transparent, non-flammable material could revolutionize packaging, fishing gear, and marine industries. Could this innovation finally tackle the plastic crisis? Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dGZPux2w #SustainableTech #PlasticPollution #Innovation #OceanConservation

France’s NH1 Tidal Project Proves the Power of Underwater Wind Turbines ⚡🌊 🌊 Normandie Hydroliennes' NH1 tidal project is redefining offshore wind by placing turbines under the ocean—and the results have exceeded expectations. This 250 MW floating offshore wind farm in the Mediterranean Sea is designed to generate consistent, clean power while minimizing environmental impact. Despite initial concerns about marine life and turbine durability, experts have found that the materials hold up well, and the system efficiently harnesses water’s immense energy. 🌍 Located in the powerful Raz Blanchard Channel, NH1 has the potential to generate 15–18 TWh annually, supplying electricity to 8 million homes. If this model scales, it could inspire coastal regions worldwide to tap into the vast potential of tidal energy. 💡 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dCYUhCGb #RenewableEnergy #TidalPower #WindEnergy #Sustainability

🚀 Time for Your Weekly Ocean Innovation Roundup!💡 Let's dive in 🔍 🌊 Catchwise has raised €1.25M to enhance fishing efficiency and sustainability through AI-powered insights. https://lnkd.in/ecczbE4Z 🌊 Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. invests in Captura’s direct ocean capture (DOC) technology and purchases 30,000 carbon removal credits. https://lnkd.in/dhQ6GGdw 🌊 Kaiko Systems has secured a €6M Series A to revolutionize maritime intelligence with AI-powered solutions. https://lnkd.in/dP9A96WJ 🌊 China’s first offshore PV-fishery project, developed by POWERCHINA, is set to connect to the grid in April. https://lnkd.in/dT4vbWie 🌊 Chilean aquaculture biotech startup AQUIT has raised $832,000 in pre-seed funding to develop antibiotic-free treatments for fish diseases. https://lnkd.in/dmuv9bmP 🌊 German start-up ICODOS has opened a pilot plant in Mannheim to produce climate-neutral methanol from wastewater, offering a sustainable marine fuel solution. https://lnkd.in/d6p7x7ss 🌊 Singapore’s Hydroglyder, developed by Yinson GreenTech, is the region’s first electric-propulsion hydrofoil and is set to revolutionize sustainable water transport. https://lnkd.in/dTaY9U5n 🌊 Miami-based Kind Designs has raised $5M in seed funding to scale its 3D-printed "Living Seawalls," designed to improve marine biodiversity and water quality. https://lnkd.in/dpfAVA4n 🌊 Seadronix Corp. ,a South Korea-based company specializing in AI-powered autonomous ship navigation, raised USD 11.3M in Series B funding to advance its ship AI and robotics technologies. https://lnkd.in/eSusSgAu 🌊 SeaSweepers, a pioneering climate-tech startup, is addressing the urgent global marine plastic pollution crisis with a bold and scalable solution designed to process the ocean's most challenging waste. https://lnkd.in/dDrKT3KD 🌊 The ANERIS Project is pioneering the integration of various marine life-sensing technologies to develop the concept of Operational Marine Biology (OMB), aiming to enhance biodiversity monitoring in our oceans. https://lnkd.in/ebzKijSf 🌊 Sweden’s Hooked Foods has raised SEK 8.4 million to support the launch of new plant-based products and integrate AI for improved production efficiency. https://lnkd.in/dNFsXBbs  🌊 Global OTEC is set to deploy its first ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) pilot plant, marking a significant step toward revolutionizing tropical energy access. https://lnkd.in/d_t5m4Hs 🌊 Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) has introduced the first ocean science-based targets for the seafood industry, guiding companies to support marine biodiversity and enhance long-term supply chain resilience. https://lnkd.in/dw5JphaU 👉 Don't want to miss out on the latest Ocean Innovation News? Sign up for our weekly newsletter and we'll take care of the rest. https://lnkd.in/dp8CxUpa OCEANOVATION Team #OCEANOVATION #WeeklyRoundup