Oeiras is currently focused on fostering new advancements and creative solutions
The Oeiras Bluetech Ocean Forum (OBOF) 2025, held from July 21-23 in Oeiras, Portugal, was a significant event that showcased the investment potential of the blue economy, with a notable focus on China, the Netherlands, and Morocco.
The forum saw the attendance of approximately 300 national and international participants, including business leaders, investors, researchers, policymakers, and ambassadors. Among the attendees were notable speakers such as Ambrose So, Carlos Costa Neves, João Rui Ferreira, Mário Pinho, Pedro Patacho, António Martins da Cruz, Zhao Bentang, Margriet Leemhuis, and João Fonseca Santos.
China’s involvement was prominent, with a delegation of 30 companies from the Greater Bay Area presenting business models based on Artificial Intelligence applied to the blue economy, including energy and maritime transport. The Chinese delegation emphasized inter-cluster dialogue, focusing on the application of artificial intelligence and the alignment of industrial and product certification systems.
Morocco played a key role as a representative voice for Africa, highlighting the development potential in aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and port development, especially in its southern provinces. These initiatives align with Morocco’s New Development Model started in 2016, focusing on investment stability and sustainable ocean resource valorisation. Morocco emphasized transcontinental cooperation and maritime innovation within the forum.
Although specific details about the Netherlands’ role at the forum are less explicit in the search results, given the Netherlands’ global leadership in sustainable maritime technology and blue economy, it is reasonable that Dutch companies and stakeholders participated in discussions on innovation and sustainable ocean practices, as reflected by the event's broad international scope and its connection to European maritime sectors.
The forum highlighted partnerships with entities like the International Forum on Clean Energy – Macau and brought together players from Europe, Africa, and Asia for networking and investment in maritime decarbonization and new ocean technologies.
In addition to the discussions and partnerships, the Oeiras Nautical Station was certified during the event, officially invited by the Mayor of Oeiras, Isaltino Morais, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oeiras Viva, Rui Daniel Mourinha. The certification marks the full integration of Oeiras into the Network of Nautical Stations of Portugal, certified by Fórum Oceano.
The final day of the Ocean Forum focused on certification standards for technologies and products, with a focus on internationalization and facilitating exchanges between the Chinese and Portuguese markets. The goal of establishing a Chinese business hub in Oeiras within the next five years was mentioned in relation to the final day's focus on internationalization.
The Ocean Forum announced preparations for the first edition of the Macau Bluetech Ocean Forum, scheduled for October 17, 2025, in Macau, in partnership with Macau Expo, IFCE-Macao, and with the support of the Oeiras Valley Investment Agency. The event aims to continue the mission of unlocking the potential of the Portuguese blue economy.
The forum also saw the signing of a letter of intent between Platform Zero, EVI, InspireXchange, and ENIDH, reinforcing the commitment to creating strategic partnerships. Furthermore, the Ocean Forum obtained financial support from IPIM to enable the participation of member Portuguese companies in the Macau Bluetech Ocean Forum. Eleven investment workshops were held for the Ocean Forum's member community, focusing on the various blue value chains and the Network of Nautical Stations of Portugal.
Lastly, Morocco was represented by a delegation from the University of Tangiers Faculty of Law, which shared expertise and collaborative efforts related to new port development and various areas within the blue economy.
In summary, the Oeiras Bluetech Ocean Forum 2025 served as a significant platform for China’s AI-driven blue economy initiatives, Morocco’s emphasis on African maritime growth and port innovation, and likely the Netherlands' participation in sustainable ocean technology, all converging to explore investment opportunities in the expanding blue economy sector.
- The Oeiras Bluetech Ocean Forum 2025 not only provided a platform for China's AI-driven blue economy initiatives, but it also highlighted the role of the Netherlands in sustainable maritime technology and the Netherlands' possible participation in discussions on innovation and sustainable ocean practices.
- As a representative voice for Africa, Morocco showcased the development potential in aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and port development, and also emphasized its collaboration with Spain, particularly in the area of new port development, at this forum.
