Gearing up our blue knowledge - Flanders Region in Belgium - Tackling ocean challenges in the UN Decade of Ocean Science - publicaties van de ...
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Flanders Region in Belgium
Gearing up
our blue
knowledge
Tackling ocean challenges in
the UN Decade of Ocean Science
for Sustainable Development
2021-2030
© Shutterstock
Content
Editorial 4
Together we tackle
ocean challenges in OUR MARITIME SETTING 6 22 OUR FOCUS AREAS
the UN Decade
of Ocean Science Less well-known region
with a truly maritime identity
7 24 Access to science and technology
to harness smart ocean solutions
for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 Flanders: open to the world, connected by Science and technology
8 26
the sea, in the heart of Europe to harness smart ocean solutions
Powerful research 10 28 Smart innovations
and innovation environment to harness smart ocean solutions
Moving forward 14
together Ocean energy research
30 and innovation
Solutions-oriented
16
Acknowledgements research and development
The co-editors gratefully acknowledge assistance of 32 The wind is the limit
Flemish Government following contributors and reviewers: Bart de Smet;
Multi-stakeholder
Department of Economy, Science and Innovation Nancy Fockedey; Bart Hillewaert; Edward Knapp; 18
Ann-Katrien Lescrauwaet; Chantal Martens; Jan Mees;
cooperation Drivers of new technology
Koning Albert II-laan 35, box 10, B-1030 BRUSSELS 34 and societal innovation
Stefaan Mensaert; Ann Overmeire; Hans Pirlet; Marijn Rabaut;
Steven Vandenborre; Gert Verreet; Kristien Veys. Development and sharing
This brochure is a joint publication by: of marine research infrastructure
20
- Flanders Department Economy, Science and Innovation (EWI) Concept and creation
Working with ecosystems for
- Flanders Marine Institute - Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee vzw The Oval Office 36 a sustainable blue economy
- Flanders' Blue Cluster - De Blauwe Cluster vzw
Cover image
The Oval Office.
Working with ecosystems for
Responsible editor Photo: Operators on a VLIZ ICOS buoy © VLIZ – Bart De Smet 38
Johan Hanssens, Secretary-General a sustainable blue economy
Department of Economy, Science and Innovation D/2021/3241/054
Working with ecosystems for
40 a sustainable blue economy
x The numbered symbol in the text refers
to numbered references on pages 42-43. 42 Footnote references
3
UN DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE
Editorial
The Government of Flanders is committed
to supporting the blue knowledge and
innovation ecosystem.
towards the horizon. And the possibilities are endless! Think The COVID-19 pandemic puts in sharp relief the importance
2020 was a remarkable year for Flanders’
of new forms of offshore energy, such as floating solar panels of science for society. Technology creates opportunities for
ocean community: we celebrated the first that can withstand the high sea waves and are resistant to salt, fast scientific advances, so science and innovation have to go
anniversary of the sixth and youngest Flemish or new sustainable breeding techniques for seaweed or shrimp. hand in hand. Research and innovation policy are legitimately
industrial spearhead cluster, the Blue Cluster Training and capacity building embrace new approaches, expected to address today’s societal needs and challenges.
of maritime industries. The first stone of the such as the Blue Growth Summer School. Supported by the Policy and research must, more than ever, have an impact.
new InnovOcean Campus in Ostend was laid, Government of Flanders it provides international students with Scientists are increasingly expected to open up their research
shop floor experience in the Blue Economy. results to share with peers and other stakeholders worldwide
which will host the Flanders Research Institute
(Open Science). Research and entrepreneurial projects must
for agriculture, fisheries and food (ILVO) as The new blue industrial revolution needs to contribute to make a concrete contribution to societal challenges such as
well as the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) sustainable development and rely on solid scientific evidence competitiveness and sustainable job creation.
and its international partners. In addition, and support. The online Compendium for Coast and Sea of
a new chapter was added to the successful VLIZ documents the vibrant marine research community in The UN has declared a Decade of Ocean Science for
cooperation between research, development Belgium. It consists of many research groups spread over Sustainable Development from 2021 to 2030. It urges us
a large number of university faculties and governmental to reconcile our way of life with the limits of the Earth,
and entrepreneurship, by launching the Ostend
scientific institutes throughout the country. VLIZ provides in particular those of the ocean and the seas, which have
Science Park. As a high-tech knowledge hub, services to this ‘archipelago’ of marine researchers. It is also so much to offer. Let’s make the Decade a joint learning
“The new blue it gathers researchers and businesses to
develop and implement innovative sustainable
mandated to support the blue economy development through
scientific knowledge, infrastructure, data and information.
experience on how the ocean helps us achieve the Sustainable
Development Goals. With this publication, we invite you to
industrial revolution economic use of the North Sea and the ocean.
The historic port city of Ostend is rapidly becoming a hub and
explore the Flanders Blue Research and Innovation system.
As Flemish Minister for Economy, Innovation, Work, Social
needs to contribute
catalyst for international knowledge-based blue innovation. economy and Agriculture, I am truly proud to see so many
The creation of Flanders’ Blue Cluster in alignment with the Teaming up with Blue Cluster, VLIZ and ILVO are key players strong shoulders enthusiastically supporting so many
European Blue Growth Strategy is starting to bear fruit. The linked to the wider world in various co-housed international promising projects as a concrete contribution to the UN
to sustainable blue economy in Flanders accounts for almost 154 000 full-
time jobs, representing no less than 5.2% of Flanders’ GDP,
initiatives (the European Commission’s EMODNet, the global
OBIS and other activities of the IODE Project Office of
Ocean Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development
and the Agenda 2030 goals. We join the global efforts
development which means it is comparable in size to the Flemish food
industry or the Flemish chemical and life sciences cluster.
IOC-UNESCO, etc.). Researchers from our internationally
renowned academic faculties find modern high-tech research
towards an Ocean we need for the Future we want – and
invite you to explore possibilities to join forces with us in the
Innovation opportunities for businesses are growing both in infrastructure at Ostend Science Park, the neighbouring spirit of the Decade.
and rely on solid traditional maritime economic activities and in emerging or
developing sectors.
Flanders Hydraulics Research ‘Coastal and Ocean Basin’, and
the VLIZ Marine Robotics Centre at Marine Station Ostend. Mrs Hilde Crevits
scientific evidence All these activities are in evidence in the relatively small Belgian
The Government of Flanders gladly supports this favourable
wind through operating and project resources. The impact of VICE-MINISTER-PRESIDENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF
and support.”
part of the North Sea, one of the world’s busiest maritime this Blue Research and Innovation system in the coming years FLANDERS, FLEMISH MINISTER FOR ECONOMY, INNOVATION,
areas. Good overall governance of co-existing uses is ensured will largely depend on the strength of its cooperation and WORK, SOCIAL ECONOMY AND AGRICULTURE
by the federal Belgian marine spatial plan. Now that Flanders’ impactful partnerships. By being complementary, by using
Mrs Hilde CREVITS blue economy is booming and contributing to a blue industrial each other’s strengths and by joining forces, the impact on
revolution, we need to be fearless and raise our ambition our blue economy and on society will be huge.
© Cabinet of the Vice-Minister-President of the Government of Flanders,
Flemish Minister for Economy, Innovation, Work, Social economy and Agriculture
5
OUR MARITIME Less well-known region
with a truly maritime identity
SETTING
Meet Flanders, a region bordering the •O ur maritime space is a busy place! A myriad of coastal
southern Bight of the North Sea, which has and maritime users have high stakes in this densely used
maritime area in the North Sea. The high density and
been shaped by many interactions with the diversity of demands for space requires a strong and
sea. For centuries, this region and its people forward-looking vision that guides us in the constant search
have largely benefitted from their proximity for synergies. Belgium’s maritime spatial planning generates
to the ocean, be it for food, shelter, cultural opportunities, allowing all actors to move forward together
exchange and trade, defence or even the to achieve the societal outcomes we need. p.14-15
continuous struggle to claim the low-lying • In preparing for the Ocean Decade, Flanders’ ocean science
community actively participated in the discovery of our
land from the sea. This relationship has proven main strengths and prominent opportunities, which we
fertile ground for the development of maritime intend to explore and shape further as solid contributions
competences and a maritime identity that from Flanders to the Ocean Decade. Our tradition in
continues to this day and is present in cutting- open science, sharing data and infrastructures, our taste
edge marine sciences and bold innovations for for working in a multidisciplinary environment and our
a maritime economy. commitment to supporting capacity development for
more equitable access to the ocean are the cross-cutting
Today, on the eve of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for principles in our future contribution. p.16-17
Sustainable Development (2021-2030), Flanders takes stock of
its true maritime identity, its broad expertise, long-standing
traditions, maritime skills and capacities. It reaches out to Going forward into the Ocean Decade,
share these and shape strong and far-reaching collaborations our preferred model is that of multi-stakeholder cooperation
based on ocean science, knowledge and innovative across different actors, with strong connections between
approaches. Flanders grasps the unique opportunity of the education opportunities, basic research, facilitating access
Ocean Decade to join forces in a decade of open international to knowledge and fostering innovation for improved
collaboration that will guide us in the transition to the ocean societal outcomes. p.18-19 We see the infrastructures for
we need for the future we want p.8-9 marine research and innovation as key enablers that trigger
the societal and technological innovation we need for a
sustainable use of the ocean. p.20-21
And … the science we need for the ocean
we want. Take a bird’s eye view of our marine science
and innovation landscape, its roots and dense connections
in society: Take a deep breath and enjoy an exciting dive into
• F landers’ Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) system marine and maritime research in Flanders. Accept our
embeds and feeds a strong marine and maritime STI system. invitation and get in touch if you wish to share more
Discover its key features p.10-11 , and where it stands in a ideas and explore new collaborations!
broader international perspective. p.12-13
7
© Shutterstock
UN DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE
HAMBURG
BREMERHAVEN
LONDON ROTTERDAM
Flanders: open to the world,
1h51
Redrawn from Department of Foreign Affairs, Flanders © The Oval Office
BERLIN
1h
ZEEBRUGGE
AMSTERDAM
connected by the sea, OPEN
1h52
ANTWERP
INVITATION
in the heart of Europe
LE HAVRE
BRUSSELS
Flanders’ marine research
and innovation community
welcomes the ‘UN Ocean
Small but well connected
Decade’ as part of
PARIS
Flanders has always acknowledged the importance of working with its neighbours 1h22 its tradition of open
in trade, culture, politics, or science. Today the region is a model for an open
society with a knowledge-based economy. It is a ‘living lab’ with a densely collaboration.
populated coastal area and a challenging demand for space both on land and
at sea. Technology and societal innovation help address the challenges these Cargo in transit in the Western Scheldt © Shutterstock
low-lying lands are facing, as well as drive new sustainable development.
FLANDERS IS:
Strategic location in the heart of Europe
Excellent transport infrastructure
ART AND INNOVATION Tailored incentives for companies
IN THE MARITIME SECTOR FLANDERS’ PORTS,
GATEWAYS TO A GLOBAL WORLD World-class maritime companies
Port of Antwerp’s headquarters is a 19th-century
building renovated with bold use of glass, metal With over 150 000 ships a year crossing its navigation ways, State-of-the-art research centres
and concrete in the design of a diamond-shaped Flanders is situated at one of the busiest shipping routes in
superstructure, proudly symbolising its dynamism, the world and seaports are the engine of its economy. The Highly skilled work force
Havenhuis, Port of Antwerp © Peter Knoop ambition and innovative nature. market share of the Flemish sea ports (Ostend, Zeebrugge,
Ghent-Terneuzen, Antwerp) represents 25 % of the total High quality of life
transhipment of goods in the Le Havre-Hamburg range. 2
EARLY CASE OF ‘BLUE INNOVATION' Marine Station Oostende, VLIZ © Els Verhaeghe
Science in an oyster-tasting centre, 1843. When Belgian
zoologist Pierre-Joseph van Beneden settled his marine
station in an oyster farm in Ostend in 1843, he was unlikely
to think of himself as an early adopter of the ‘co-design’
principles. The saltwater basins and continuous supply of
fresh specimens provided an innovative environment for HORSEBACK SHRIMP FISHING:
his research and solved the challenge of obtaining fresh UNESCO CULTURAL HERITAGE
samples for his students’ seminars.
Horseback shrimp fishermen sit in wooden
LONG-STANDING saddles on their Brabant draught horses,
TRADITION IN MARINE SCIENCE dragging large bottom trawl nets. Flanders
This Marine Station soon put Ostend on the map, is the only place left in the world where
as renowned researchers from all over Europe this 500-year-old tradition of shrimp
gathered in a multi-disciplinary think tank to fishing is still in practice. Thousands of
discuss innovative ideas about the functioning of visitors enjoy the ‘open air classes’, learning
living organisms in their marine environments. about local marine biodiversity and
Today it is an open lab for science collaboration. 1 traditional and current fishing practices. 3 Horseback shrimp fishermen © Westtoer
Oostende oyster farm Valcke-Deknuyt. Source: Hamoir, G. (2002). VLIZ.
9
UN DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE
Powerful research and
innovation environment FLANDERS’ MARINE ANDI
MARITIME STI SYSTEMI
Flanders invests in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) with
a substantial contribution to ocean science ECOSYSTEM-
BASED SMART
APPROACH SEA
Marine and maritime research and innovation are firmly embedded in a broader
and stimulating environment. ‘Connectors’, such as clusters and hubs, ensure that
knowledge and expertise are broadly available to all interested parties.
O f f i ce
O v al
Th e
s©
n der
Fla
io n,
v at
no
In
nd WEST FLANDERS
a
Key players in the distributed network
19 VLIZ
e
nc
ILVO
ci e
ANTWERP COASTAL RENEWABLE MARITIME SUBTAINABLE BLUE OCEAN
of coastal and marine research
,S
PROTECTION ENERGY & CONNECTION SEAFOOD & TOURISM POLUTION
my
5 VITO 8 ITM
EAST FLANDERS
no
6 KMSKA 9 Nuclear Energy & MINERAL FRESH WATER BLUE BIOTECH
E co
7 University Center (SCK) RECOURSES
Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) is the coordination platform for marine, coastal and VIB © De Blauwe Cluster
of
1 association
Antwerp
e nt
2 imec
estuarine research in Flanders, and has a complementary research strategy. Most marine 3 ILVO
r tm
4 University
research is carried out by the five university associations, the strategic research centres
Depa
association
Ocean science for a sustainable blue economy
Ghent
and research performing organisations in specific fields of expertise such as water 5
Re drawn from
19 6 9
8 Antwerp
management, engineering and hydraulics, fisheries and aquaculture, and ecosystem and Bruges 7 10
Ghent Blue Cluster is the sixth spearhead cluster. It took off to a flying start in 2019 as
biodiversity research. Discover marine research groups (MRG) and explore their fields of 4
2
expertise in the national reporting Compendium for
1
3 Hasselt an innovation platform for a sustainable blue economy. It is a partnership of
14
Coast and Sea. 4 18 16 12
13
Leuven
11 nearly 200 members: private companies (ranging from SMEs to major industrial
17 15
players), the seaports, the relevant authorities and knowledge institutions. It
More than 1600 marine experts across a very diverse stimulates and organises cooperation between companies, science and policy.
BRUSSELS LIMBURG
range of disciplines are actively involved in marine and AOE
10 Flanders Make Blue Cluster supports innovation projects throughout the value chain in six
16
FLEMISH BRABANT 11 University
coastal research. Around 75% of the marine research is 17 INBO
12 imec association areas of the blue economy. An ecosystem-based approach and smart digital
18 University association Limburg
situated in marine waters and coastal areas abroad. Brussels 13 University association
KULeuven solutions are cross-cutting priorities. 6
Strategic research centers 14 Botanic Garden Meise
Compendium for Coast and Sea
Scientific institutes 15 Flanders Make
University associations
Other knowledge centers
(non-exhaustive)
FLANDERS’I
STI SYSTEMI
Strong basis in education
and science FLANDERS RESEARCH CLUSTERS
INFORMATION SPACE The Flanders Agency for Innovation and Entrepre-
The backbone of Flanders’ research output is
shaped by the five universities and university college An open-source data neurship (VLAIO) supports six Spearhead Clusters
associations (Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent, Hasselt, system informs on all in the domains in which industries intensify
Leuven), the four strategic research centres (Flanders publicly funded research in collaborative innovation: sustainable chemistry Flanders, centre of innovation
Make, Imec, VIB, VITO), and knowledge institutes that Flanders. It is a gateway to and synthetics (Catalisti), materials (SIM), logistics
focus on domains such as marine sciences (VLIZ), find researchers, projects, and transport (VIL), agrofood (Flanders’ Food), Public sector policy for innovation is strongly
tropical health (ITM), agriculture, fisheries and food infrastructures, etc. and energy (Smart Grids), and blue growth (Blue developed, with pride of place for a recently renewed
(ILVO), nature and forests (INBO), hydraulics and supports open science Cluster). There are fourteen smaller, more focused cluster policy. A detailed description of this whole
engineering (Flanders Hydraulics) as well as in various production in Flanders. 5 innovative business networks (IBN). 7 ecosystem is updated in the STI in Flanders. 8
collective research institutes active in specific fields.
11
UN DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE © IOC-UNESCO. 2017. Global Ocean Science Report -
The current status of ocean science around the world. L. Valdés et al. (eds), Paris, UNESCO Publishing.
Science_Metrix no. citations
No info
1 - 10.000
10.000 - 50.000
50.000 - 100.000
Powerful research and
100.000 - 200.000
200.000 - 400.000
400.000 - 900.000
innovation environment FLANDERS’ MARINE ANDI
MARITIME STI SYSTEMI
Strong international position of Flanders’ STI and ocean science
Flanders is a research partner Citation map of the world:
Flanders’ (Belgium’s) marine researchers score far above average in in the Ocean Decade the area of each country
terms of international cooperation, and are strongly embedded in is scaled and resized
Flanders in UNESCO – Flanders hosts and according to number of
international marine networks. Their knowledge is applied widely, from citations received 12
supports the International Ocean Data and
the navigability of the Panama canal, over understanding environmental Information Exchange (IODE) Project Office of
effects of deep-sea mining in the Pacific, to monitoring structural health in the IOC/UNESCO in Ostend. It is a worldwide FLANDERS UNESCO
offshore infrastructures. reference for ocean data and information SCIENCE TRUST FUND (FUST)
management. Flanders also co-chairs the FUST supports projects on IOC priority objectives:
Global Ocean Science Report of the IOC/
UNESCO. 11 - Capacity development. The IOC Ocean Teacher Global Academy
(OTGA-2) project will further enable regional training centres in
CH BELGIUM
NL DK OCEAN ECONOMY several continents. They provide quality- controlled training in the
Flemish innovation for globally SG
SE
GB
NO
context of IOC programmes and systems. 14
NU The Ocean Economy Group of the OECD-STI
© OECD, 2016. The Ocean Economy in 203O, OECD Publishing, Paris.
HK
sustainable blue economy AT DE IT
E
FR NZ
promotes the exchange of knowledge to - Access to marine technology. The IOC Ocean InfoHub project
CA
IL FI ES ZA PT improve the research and innovation policy
Blue Cluster is open to joining forces with similar aims for an openly accessible web-based platform designed to
BELOW ABOV
CZ GR
clusters and consortia from abroad. Blue Cluster CL mix for sustainable ocean management. 13 network stakeholders according to their interests, needs and
is already actively engaged in international capacities. It matches providers of marine technology and
ARC
JP TH Flanders is an active member of this group, know-how with those in need of such capacities. It links with
partnerships. To stimulate innovation and market BR AR
IR PL which provides
development, Blue Cluster also takes its members KR CN EG existing hubs operating across scales and themes, including
TR MY decision-makers with private sector and NGO resources. The Ocean InfoHub presents
and partners on inspiring site visits abroad. Blue MX
evidence on industries, itself as the platform for transfer of marine technology
Cluster welcomes international delegations in RU science and innova- supporting the Ocean Decade. 15
Flanders and is a strategic partner of Flanders
BELOW ABOV tion in the economy
Investment and Trade (FIT), the Flemish Agency SIE
to harness the ocean
that facilitates investment projects in Flanders Scientific impact (Average relative citation score (ARC), vertical) versus specialisation index (SI, horizontal) economy’s potential in
and supports Flemish export companies. for the top 40 most publishing countries in ocean science (2012-2017). Circles are proportional to number
a responsible and
of publications. 9
sustainable way.
© Redrawn from IOC-UNESCO. 2017. Global Ocean Science Report -
The current status of ocean science around the world. L. Valdés et al. (eds), Paris, UNESCO Publishing.
FLANDERS’I
Flanders tops the innovation charts STI SYSTEMI
Long history of innovative
3rd-most Best University business Flanders’ reputation as innovation region
academic excellence innovative economy accelerator in Europe,
Flanders comes in at fourth place in the world in the world 5th worldwide: Imec.istart At the top of the charts in R&D, innovation and collaboration between
for outstanding higher education and training. industry, academic and governmental institutions:
Flanders’ universities are third in management first in Europe when it comes to the proportion of enterprises with
education and third in math and science 7th-most 3 innovation activities and for cooperation between science and SMEs
education. They rank in the European top 3 as far innovative university Biotech incubators
third-best innovative system in the world
as the number of scientific papers published per in the world: from Flanders in
10000 inhabitants goes. 10 KU Leuven European top 20 n
inth worldwide for collaboration between industries and universities. 16
13
UN DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE
Interconnecting the societal outcomes: From constraint to opportunity
The limited area of the Belgian marine waters
Moving forward together
(3454 km2) creates a challenge to meet demand by
old and new users, public and private. This con-
straint is the ingredient for a new systemic approach:
integrating usage in all dimensions through marine
spatial planning, innovative users’ agreements and
new economic opportunities. 17
A living lab in the Belgian part of the North Sea
An early adopter of integrated coastal area management (2002) and Joining strengths in
Geïntegreerde
pioneer of the first marine kaart
spatial planning initiative globally (2003),
SAFETY PREVAILS
transdisciplinary approach
Belgium has a legally binding marine spatial plan (MSP), which is Designing solutions in a systemic way requires a deep
updated every six years (2014, 2020). In 2017, new shipping routes were set out in Belgian understanding of ecosystem functioning and insights
© and Dutch waters to take account of the current on effects of human interventions. Transdisciplinary
pu Ma
b l rin
ic e and future development of wind farms without and sustainability science support this transition.
s e Sp
JOIN US IN EXPLORING
rv a
i ce t ia compromising safety at sea.
H e l Pl
al an
th B
EXAMPLES IN OUR , F elg
o o iu
d m
Ch ( 2 In ‘navigating the future’,
MARINE WATERS:
ai 02
n 0
Sa -20
fe 2 THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF the European marine science community
t y 6)
a n co
d ur
En te
OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY... calls for moving beyond an integrated
v ir s y interdisciplinary approach by including
on B e ... has boosted innovation in the energy and construc-
m lgi
e n an different stakeholders as co-designers,
t fe tion industries, unlocking wider societal innovation,
de
ra
knowledge producers and users.
l has led to new cross-border infrastructures for energy
This practice is coined ’sustainability
transport and drives combined use of space.
science’. 18
SEAFLOOR DISTURBANCE… © European Marine Board (2019) Navigating the Future V: Marine Science for a
AND RESTORATION Sustainable Future. Position Paper 24 of the European Marine Board, Ostend, Belgium.
Five zones receive dumped dredged materials
and are subject to a regulating and monitor- AREAS FOR SCIENCE Integrated planning needs
breakthrough technologies as well as
ing framework to mitigate impact on habi- AND TECHNOLOGICAL
innovation in governance approaches.
tats, species and ecosystem functioning. In INNOVATION
other areas, the negative impacts from ThinkTankNorthSea.be is an independ-
unsustainable sea floor disturbance in the Pilots for tidal and wave energy, ent and multi-sector body aiming for
past (sand and gravel extraction, bottom coastal protection experiments, sustainable use of the Belgian part of
trawl fishing, etc.) are mitigated by restoring calibration of acoustic equip- the North Sea. Stakeholders from the
biogenic and geogenic reefs such as gravel ment, a test island for coastal quadruple helix (policy, industry, science
beds and through innovations to lower resilience and mitigating climate and citizens) work on science-based advice and solu-
impact of fishing. Innovative coastal engi- change impact, and five areas tions. Think Tank North Sea is co-chaired by scientific
neering techniques are explored to strength- for commercial and industrial bodies at federal (RBINS) and Flanders’ level (VLIZ). 19
en resilience of coastal zones and mitigate activities. © ThinkTank North Sea
impact of climate change.
NATURE...
BLUE TOURISM Flanders
... can go hand in hand with activities that
may seem in conflict. Have a second look: New economic developments and investments create is ready for
United Nations Decade
military training activities are allowed outside innovative opportunities for tourists, such as visiting ocean action of Ocean Science
for Sustainable Development
seasons when protected seabirds dwell and aquaculture sites, boarding coastal vessels for shrimp in the Ocean
feed in the area. Windfarm substrates provide fishing and tasting, and diving on shipwrecks to Decade
‘artificial reefs’ for biological d
iversity. appreciate their heritage value.
20
MARINE SPATIAL PLAN BELGIUM (2020-2026)
15
UN DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE
Creating impact for society: The Ocean Decade calls to connect science with societal needs:
a contribution from Flanders-Belgium
Solutions-oriented Throughout 2018-2020, representatives from public and private bodies,
young scientists and the wider marine research community voiced their
interest to contribute to the UN Ocean Decade. Through interviews,
research and
surveys and participative working sessions, we identified key
actionsDecade
United Nations in cross-cutting and thematic areas that we will foster The ocean
The Decade will mobilise resources throughout
of Ocean Science the Decade. 25 we want
for Sustainable Development
and technological innovation in
development ocean science needed to deliver
key societal outcomes: A CLEAN
OCEAN
A HEALTHY
& RESILIENT
OCEAN
A PRODUCTIVE
OCEAN
A PREDICTED
OCEAN
A SAFE
OCEAN
AN ACCESSIBLE
OCEAN
AN INSPIRING
& ENGAGING
OCEAN
UN Decade Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 © UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
Flanders has set 48 sustainability goals to
be achieved in 2030. These are the focus of the
‘Vizier2030 – Flanders’ 2030 target framework’ strategy Address pollution through ocean action Promote blue carbon capture Ocean literacy and public awareness
to implement the UN Agenda 2030 and SDGs. 21 Flanders ‘Integrated Action Plan on Marine Litter’ 24 Incorporate blue carbon capture & storage in the • Apply technology (robotics, virtual reality) for new
and broad research expertise on marine (micro)plastics design phase of large-scale projects and interventions, visitor experiences and develop story-telling to connect
The ocean-related targets on climate, food, energy,
as a precondition for public funding and approval of humans and the ocean in a holistic way (nature, health,
economy and safety are addressed in the UN Ocean
concessions economy, jobs, wellbeing, art)
Decade.
• Citizen science initiatives for Blue Tourism
The seven societal outcomes of the Ocean • Reference marine training course for high school/(pre)
Decade are interconnected and require joint Make the transition to sustainable food graduate students
actions by society at large. Flanders’ marine research & from the ocean • Mobilise new funding and resources: SeaWatch- BE
innovation community initiated a participative process • Develop sustainable and fair food production systems, Research infrastructures (RIs) are hubs citizen science volunteers sponsored through
to disseminate the objectives of the Ocean Decade and away from wild stocks, and upscale aquaculture of saltwa- in the Decade Roadmap philanthropy
create opportunities for collaborative and solutions- ter species including macro-algae • Crucial platforms for acquiring new knowledge and
oriented research. • Adapt seafood consumption towards lower trophic instrumental for connecting research communities
level and commit to traceability and transparency for • Flanders is a key player in European marine RI
Flanders sets capacity development, training the seafood consumer (biological observations, marine robotics, physical and
and equitable access to science and technology • Develop technology for multitrophic aquaculture in digital biological collections, digital hubs and data The Ocean Decade as a catalyst for transdiscipli-
at the heart of an inclusive approach to the open waters, implement multiple use of space, e.g. systems) nary approach in Flanders. Life sciences, human
Ocean Decade. Two flagship projects aim to support aquaculture in offshore windfarms • Co-designed and co-developed by the research and and social science communities, research and
the Ocean Decade: the Ocean Teacher Global Academy • Innovative pilots for aquaculture of saltwater fish business communities business networks collaborate, e.g. in
22
and the Ocean InfoHub. 23 species on land • Assessing the impact of the ocean on human health
• In Flanders, ILVO is the designated research institute • Geophysical research, mapping maritime underwater
to foster research and innovation in the fields of heritage in view of conservation of the natural
sustainable fishing and marine aquaculture environment (e.g. shipwrecks as places of refuge for
key/protected species)
More nature-based solutions for improved coastal • Introducing the ecosystem-based approach in sectors
resilience. Flanders strengthens its role and with a weaker tradition in ‘sustainability thinking’
knowledge base (economy, health, insurance sectors)
• Key industrial players and scientific experts collaborate
in a community of practice
• Applied research & innovation in close alliance with
public strategies and plans (coastal safety and protection)
• Co-design of coastal protection and mitigation
measures that address the sea level rise
• Pioneer in tide-controlled areas for safety against
flooding and in estuarine restoration ecology
• International collaboration and expertise, e.g. in
tropical mangroves and coral reefs
FUST Ocean 2018 © Jürgen De Witte Decade outlook participation workshop © Els Verhaeghe Decade outlook participation workshop © Els Verhaeghe
17
UN DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE
Flanders organises
multi-stakeholder cooperation
to leverage knowledge application
ACADEMIA & UNIVERSITIES
Quadruple helix redrawn from UNESCO & UNU, 2016.
INDUSTRY & BUSINESS
Knowledge Societies Policy Handbook
Societal
GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC SECTOR outcomes
CIVIL SOCIETY
Curiosity Research & Knowledge Innovation
Flanders harbours many initiatives that
allow people to learn more about the sea
education brokerage Blue Cluster is a spearhead cluster where innovative
companies from a wide range of sectors join forces to
in an easy way. Whether through one- In a multi-faceted and rich research VLIZ and Blue Cluster cooperate intensively foster novel maritime products and services. The or-
day campaigns or longer ‘citizen science’ landscape, Flanders Marine Institute to ‘broker’ knowledge creation and appli- ganisation is dedicated to developing and promoting
projects, knowledge outreach to citizens (VLIZ) acts as the hub that supports the cation. economic activities that are linked to the sea.
is a key part of our strategy. entire field. Each university or research
institute can benefit from its services.
It also conducts its own research.
A BROAD PORTFOLIO OF
INNOVATIVE PROJECTS
MARINE SCIENCE MEETS
MARITIME INDUSTRY
– THE “BLUE ECONOMY
SCIENCE SUMMIT"
‘Marine Science Meets Maritime Industry’
is an annual event co-organised by Blue
Cluster and the Flanders Marine Institute
MARINETRAINING.EU since 2015. At this event, companies and
research performing organisations are
Ghent University’s MarineTraining.eu, invited to come up with innovative ideas
part of the European Marine Biological about cooperation between science and
Resource Centre (EMBRC ERIC), offers maritime industry. From 2021, this event
its services to all those seeking marine will be organised under the new name
education and those organising it. 26 ‘Blue Economy Science Summit (BESS)'. 27
Citizen Science for ocean sampling © Nick Decombel Graphic © IStockPhoto
19UN DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE
Development and
sharing of marine A COASTAL AND OCEAN BASIN
The Coastal and Ocean Basin will support engineering
of coastal, offshore and ocean renewable energies. 30
INNOVOCEAN CAMPUS
The InnovOcean Campus (2022) and Ostend
Science Park (2020), both in Ostend, co-house
research infrastructure
institutions such as ILVO and VLIZ, as well as
organisations and companies dealing with marine
sciences and innovation. Physical proximity and
clustering of all these actors help optimise the use
A sample of recent highlights:
of all infrastructures.
Flanders’ marine & maritime research and innovation
ecosystem actively develops infrastructures and
promotes their optimal use within the appropriate
networks in Flanders, Belgium, Europe and the world.
Wave Basin © THVSignum+Technum InnovOcean Campus © Groep Van Roey
Marine robot AUV Barabas © VLIZ
Blue Accelerator platform © NEMOS
BLUE ACCELERATOR MARINE ROBOTICS CENTRE
RV BELGICA This infrastructure is a test platform for the Since 2019, VLIZ has operated a Robotics Centre
The Belgian federal government has blue economy where projects can develop, with several robotic devices, greatly enhancing
commissioned a new RV “Belgica”, due to test and demonstrate innovations in real-life sea the marine research community’s capabilities. 33
be operational early 2021. conditions. 31
It will have a much larger study area
than its predecessor: from Spitsbergen to
latitude 28° north, west from the mid-
RV SIMON STEVIN GLOBAL REFERENCE DATABASES
Atlantic ridge to longitude 36° in the east
and including the Mediterranean. 28 The Flemish Government and VLIZ have The LifeWatch Species Information Backbone, maintained within the
operated the RV Simon Stevin since context of LifeWatch ERIC, is consulted worldwide by thousands of
2012. This vessel is active in the Southern users daily and is used in over 800 scientific publications each year.
RV Belgica © Belgian Science Policy Office
North Sea. 29 It powers the World Register of Marine Species. 32
RV Simon Stevin © Hans Hillewaert
21OUR FOCUS Marine science and innovation
communities gear up for a
AREAS sustainable blue economy
The maritime sectors in Flanders represent offshore plug, multiple use applications in offshore wind
at least 154 000 full-time jobs (FTE) and 5% farms and structural health monitoring). p.32-33 .
Co-design includes public participation to scrutinise new
of the total economy. Flanders puts forward
developments from different users’ perspectives. This leads
excellence in marine science and innovation us to using the scarce available maritime space for new
to develop its blue economy potential in a technological and societal innovation, including renewable
sustainable way. We see the ocean as part energy production, food production, blue tourism, nature
of the solution to tackle our many societal restoration and coastal protection. p.34-35
challenges. Driven by the research and business
Fully acknowledging that healthy ecosystem functioning
communities and supported by a strong policy
needs to be at the heart of a thriving and sustainable
framework, blue innovation contributes to the ocean economy, strengthening knowledge is the foundation
transition towards sustainability. This is our on which to build. Flanders invests in globally connected
response to the UN Ocean Decade’s global call platforms to unravel marine genetic, species and habitat
to apply all relevant knowledge for sustainable diversity, and ecosystem modelling, with the aim of unlocking
development. their potential and co-creating shared benefits. p.36-37
Researchers and industry are working together to design
nature-based solutions for a range of purposes such as
Flanders has developed important expertise contributing to coastal protection, blue carbon capture and sustainable
the SDGs. Discover some of the remarkable developments in large-scale seafood production. p.38-39
the focus areas of ‘smart sea’ solutions, offshore energy, and Ultimately, a sustainable blue economy must fully incorporate
ecosystem- and nature-based solutions below. biodiversity values and ecosystem services in national
accounting and reporting — this includes the value of the
We actively pursue close cooperation between different ocean for human health. p.40-41
sectors and disciplines to improve interoperability and
integration of data and models, and share knowledge that
can harness innovation and create smart solutions. p.24-25
Scientists and technology developers have access to the (data) .
infrastructures to experiment with their wildest ideas. These focus areas illustrate how knowledge
p.26-27 A smart approach improves our capacity to generation at the heart of the ocean research and
understand and protect complex ocean ecosystems, while innovation community in Flanders can go hand-in-
offshore operations benefit from increased efficiency, hand with a sustainable blue economy. It is part of
resilience and safety. p.28-29 . Flanders’ contribution to the Ocean Decade’s societal
objectives with a strong commitment to open and
Flanders invests successfully in innovative approaches in international collaboration.
the energy transition. Flanders-based operators have been
pioneers in the installation of wind farms further offshore,
stimulating innovation, boosting the export potential Note: this chapter refers to expertise in Flanders without explicitly
of different value chains and co-developing Flanders’ referring to individual companies or research performing institutions.
knowledge-based economy. p.30-31 We invite you to contact Blue Cluster, which brings together companies
The upscaling to supersized wind turbines is the driver involved in the focus areas mentioned in this section and in other
of innovative approaches with public and private sectors domains of the blue economy (blauwecluster.be), and the Flanders
investing in a ‘triple helix’ collaboration model (e.g. the Marine Institute (VLIZ) for marine and maritime research expertise.
23
© Konsta PunkkaUN DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE
Access to science and technology DIGITAL TWIN
A digital twin aids in the management of an asset and
to harness smart ocean solutions
in de-risking operations. 38 Large processes and
systems can also be twinned. Steps are being taken
towards a digital model of the BPNS. The Decade
incentivises currently unconnected modelling groups
and the private sector to co-design a future ocean
Research and technological observation and prediction system.
development Shipwreck side scan sonar image © VLIZ
Never before has there been a better time to
gain affordable and valuable insights based on
marine data and observations Products, tools
and services
The Belgian part of the North Sea (BPNS) is one
of the most data- and information-dense marine
areas in the world. Energised by rapidly evolving
technologies, we transition towards a coherent and
smart observation system. Close cooperation between
different sectors and disciplines enhances our ability
to make data interoperable and share knowledge. Societal and
Ocean data and observations underpin the science market applications
and smart technologies that are at the basis of
a sustainable and innovative blue economy.
TOWARDS THE INTERNET
OF THINGS UNDERWATER
(IoTU) FOR THE BPNS Marine Robotics control room © VLIZ
OPEN AND FAIR A future system of underwater sensors, autonomous
and unmanned platforms or robotics aims to
DATA AS A DRIVER FOR RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND BENEFIT communicate seamlessly and send the information to
SHARING networks above the water. The IoTU ideally includes
The Flemish Open Science Board unites stakeholders in a remote sensing and sensors, on-site surface and depth
shared vision for Open Science and to join forces in the buoys, offshore marine stations, unmanned vehicles,
implementation of the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC). swarms, underwater drones as well as smartphone
The Flanders Marine Data Centre (VMDC) 34 and the Belgian users. Applications range from unmanned expeditions
Marine Data Centre (BMDC) 35 are accredited National and remote monitoring of marine environmental
Oceanographic Data Centres (NODCs) that have adopted the parameters to surveying study sites, remote objects
FAIR Data Principles. 36 and artificial infrastructures. 39
Graphic Blue Cloud project
Graphic Blu Open Access Benefits © Danny Kingsley & Sarah Brown e Cloud project
DIGITAL INFORMATION SERVICES
MORE EXPOSURE
FOR YOUR WORK The marine services sector is rapidly advancing
through Big Data solutions, data mining techniques
and AI as well as blockchains; e-collaboration services
RESEARCHERS IN
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
PRACTITIONERS
CAN APPLY INTEGRATING STANDARDS AND to share knowledge and ideas, facilitating shared
CAN SEE YOUR WORK YOUR FINDINGS
ADVANCING INTEROPERABILITY protocols and common workflows; and e-learning
Advancing the ecosystem approach requires integrat- services. AI capabilities help make sense of the
ing data on bio-geochemical properties and human collected data. The industry invests in systems to make
TAXPAYERS HIGHER
GET VALUE
FOR MONEY
CITATION
RATES
activities. The EOSC Blue Cloud project offers an complex and challenging marine operations more
environment for FAIR data storage, management, efficient and safer. Data originating from asset
analysis and reuse across diciplines. It connects monitoring can become part of environmental
research infrastructures both horizontally and monitoring systems; an example is marine mammal
COMPLIANT YOUR RESEARCH
WITH GRANT CAN INFLUENCE thematically, to applications that can harness detection with Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS)
RULES POLICY
innovation and create smart solutions. 37 technology used for monitoring cables. 40
Marine robot AUV Barabas © VLIZ
THE PUBLIC
CAN ACCESS
YOUR FINDINGS
25UN DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE
Science and technology
to harness smart ocean solutions
Public and private sectors work together to
develop and implement technologies across the
entire value chain
Mr J. Hanssens, Secretary-General EWI
Mr K. Vella, European Commissioner DGMARE
© EMODNet
From smart sensors and sampling… federated and interoperable
standards and data systems…
SENSORS AND
to a coherent and integrated
SMART APPLICATIONS
A Video Plankton Recorder (VPR) is an
ocean observation system
underwater microscope that records
images of plankton to determine its dis-
and smart ocean solutions
tribution, abundance and diversity. The
VPR is towed behind a research vessel EUROPEAN
mounted with a real-time high-reso- MARINE RESEARCH THE EUROPEAN
lution underwater video camera that INFRASTRUCTURES MARINE OBSERVATION
transmits the images of plankton
directly to the deck unit. Zooplankton is
The ICOS Ocean Thematic Centre, AND DATA NETWORK
EMBRC and LIFEWATCH host data
used as an indicator for ecological qual- systems and research services Flanders EMODnet applies the ‘collect once and use many times’ philosophy to
the benefit of marine data users, policy makers, scientists, private
ity. Visual identification of zooplankton that support pilot applications
is time-consuming and expensive, but industry and the public. 43 Such an integrated European marine
which are useful for the blue
digital ‘zooscan’ images make it possible data policy saves at least one billionA euros
centralarole forwhile
year, the University
openingofup Antwerp
economy, and broader marine Integrated Carbon Observation System ES Brasschaat
to process and analyse in a semi-auto- new opportunities for innovation and The growth. EMODnet
University of is aa part
Antwerp plays centralof
role in
knowledge agendas. Flanders’ in Flanders the ICOS Research Infrastructure by coordinating
mated way. Through machine learning, the EU’s ‘Marine Knowledge 2020’ initiative of the integrated maritime
the ecosystem network. It forms the Ecosystem
institutions are partner to these
the zooscan is trained in image rec- www.icos-belgium.be ICOS Objectives policy. The Flemish government andThematic
VLIZ have an agreement
Centre with
together with the the of
University
pioneering initiatives for Tuscia in Viterbo (IT) and the INRA in Bordeaux (FR).
ognition, optimising the processing of ICOS, the Integrated Carbon Observation System, is a
European Commission regarding financial support for the EMODnet
integrating standards and The University of Antwerp also acts as the national
phytoplankton samples by a factor of European Research Infrastructure that provides long-term secretariat and the central portal. EMODnet opens its services for
advancing interoperability. These Smart sensors
observations for better understanding on surfboards
the carbon cycle and© Smartfin.org Focal Point, representing and coordinating the
ten or more and reducing the cost of greenhouse gas emissions above Europe. ICOS enables pre- business opportunities through Open Seaand
Flemish Labs, hackatons,
Belgian network of ICOS partners.
ESFRIs contribute to, and
analysis substantially. The VPR can carry integrate with, global systems to
INNOVATIVE SAMPLING
diction of the future climate and the evaluation of activities
aimed at the mitigation of climate change.
workshops and associated business memberships.
other sensors to link plankton distribu- develop a systemic understanding Efforts to expand and upscale new
tion with abiotic factors, e.g. tempera- ICOS Research Infrastructure
ICOS Flanders Partners
of globally connected processes technologies are supported by the
ture, turbidity and conductivity. 41 that inform local interventions many platforms of opportunity that
An extensive network of standardized and integrated at-
mosphere, ecosystem and ocean monitoring stations forms
and policies. 42 are active in the ocean: cargo and ferry
the backbone of the ICOS Research Infrastructure.
Atmospherelines, cruise
Network: ships,
more than recreational
30 atmospheric tall boats
towers measuring greenhouse gas concentrations.
and even seabirds. Telemetry, acoustic
Ecosystem Network: more than 60 monitoring stations
trackingof greenhouse
measuring exchanges devices, self-contained
gases and energy ES Maasmechelen
dataloggers
between terrestrial (such
ecosystems as T-PODs)
and atmosphere, and and
ecosystem variables.
echodrones are just a few examples of
Ocean Network: more than 20 observation platforms
innovative
measuring carbon exchangesensor technologies
between sea surface and for
atmosphere,monitoring
and water characteristics. Each network is coordinated by its Thematic
(micro-)plastics, acoustic Centre responsible for data collection and
contamination, species distribution processing, standardization of measurement
protocols and support and training of the ICOS info@icos-belgium.eu
and migration,
The data collected through thesediment
monitoring transport, etc.
community. EMODNet Ocean Science Lab hackaton
Video Plankton Recorder © VLIZ networks are available via the Carbon Portal © EMODnet
(www.icos-cp.eu) as open source, quality-controlled ICOS is coordinated centrally by the Head Office www.icos-belgium.be
ICOS data. in Finland. www.icos-ri.eu
27UN DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE
DATABEACH PROJECT
Smart innovations to harness This project seeks sustainable and ‘soft’
measures for coastal protection and improved
ocean solutions resilience against storm-related sand loss. It
combines monitoring techniques with machine
learning and probabilistic modelling for
disruptive innovation in the design of ‘soft’
coastal protection. Distributed Temperature
Innovation programmes as promoted by VLAIO through Sensing (DTS) monitors sand volumes, and a
Blue Cluster bring solutions in many shapes and forms, ‘CoastSnap-station’ involves the public (citizen
which are not necessarily technological by nature or science) to map the position of the high-water
generated in a lab or traditional research environment. mark in the timeframe of weeks/months. 45
The positive impacts of these innovations are strengthened
by smart solutions. Data, analytics and digital tools offer
a myriad of opportunities to protect the ocean, while
offshore operations can benefit from increased efficiency, Smart monitoring
resilience and safety. They offer support to businesses requires a deepened under-
and investors to make better-informed decisions and standing of a ‘healthy ocean’ DataBeach project–CoastSnap
and a ‘predicted ocean’. A smart © VLIZ Jelle Rondelez
to improve understanding of their impact on ocean
approach helps build the foun-
ecosystems.
dations for technologies that
allow equitable and transpar-
ent access to and sustainable
use of ocean resources.
Data connectivity Software platforms
and offshore and digital services Marine litter
communication networks To gain knowledge from the mass of
© VLIZ Leontien De Wulf
available data, we develop advanced
PLUXIN PROJECT
The industry invests in systems supporting
data services such as data mining tech- A critical knowledge gap exists on the whereabouts of
the complex and challenging planning in
niques and machine learning plastics and about their flux towards the marine
order to make marine operations more
algorithms. In-situ observations in environment. This information is crucial to fast track
efficient and safer. Live risk assessments
combination with numerical models cost-efficient plastic remediation measures. Pluxin
make use of probabilistic digital twin
contribute significantly to our develops a two-dimensional-horizontal (2DH) plastic
technology to avoid costly and/or
dispersal model. Marine plastics are identified from
dangerous live testing at sea. Autonomous understanding of the aquatic
remote sensing reflectance data through image
maritime operations environment
recognition algorithms (‘Machine Learning’), resulting
and marine robotics
in an automated plastic detection method. Combined
Ocean mapping, monitoring, with in-situ sampling, this information will validate the
and inspections as well as off- 2DH model. 46
shore infrastructure and port
security interventions become
SSAVE (SHARED safer and more cost-effective
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS through automation. Innova- AN AQUATIC DRONE... Echodrone © Port of Antwerp
FOR VESSELS) PROJECT tive public procurement by the ... measures the water depth of berths for ships in the
Flemish government helps in Port of Antwerp to address the high occupancy rate of the
This project aims for compatibility of different forms of
bringing public applications to berths as well as the difficulty or danger to reach these
autonomous operating systems by developing methods
the market. spots. This unmanned electrically powered catamaran sails
and technologies for safe and quality-assured
connectivity. The focus is on sharing real-time data on autonomously based on data collected in the cloud that is
‘situational awareness’ of vessels between assets of transmitted to a navigation unit in near real-time. The
different manufacturers and operators. The goal is platform thus navigates on data and not on its own
increased safety and optimised operations. 44 sensors, while (dynamic) objects are avoided. 47
29UN DECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE
Ocean energy: research and innovation
BUILD A KNOWLEDGE BASELINE
OW contributes to sustainable development and helps
develop Flanders’ knowledge-based economy. Environ-
for the sustainable energy transition mental impact assessments, surveys and monitoring of
the (geo-)physical and biological offshore environment
generate an enormous amount of detailed data,
leading to new insights and knowledge. Strategic
collaboration between the industry, government and
Our future requires carbon-neutral ocean or ‘blue’ energy technologies. Belgium has been a research to unlock this new knowledge in the public
pioneer in offshore wind energy (OWE), a cornerstone of the sustainable energy transition. arena has a knock-on effect for innovation in products
OWE has developed at a fast pace in recent years based on the interplay of governments, and services. Engineering services for the processing
industry, research & innovation and society to achieve national targets in renewable energy and analysis of monitoring and metocean data,
and emissions reductions. This covers the planning, licensing, monitoring, research and increased efficiency and longevity of the technical
innovation, and public funding for innovative approaches and assessment. Technology has monitoring infrastructures are all part of the know-
how offered by Flanders’ renowned consultancy
allowed a reduction in production costs, resulting in upscaling and increased investment. agencies and offshore sector. 50
INNOVATIVE SUPERSIZED MULTIPLE USE
PROJECT TURBINES OF SPACE
DEVELOPMENT
Generating Upscaling and
INSTALLATION AND
Drivers of
MULTI-USE
INSURANCE AND RISK ASSESSMENT
knowledge innovating DECOMMISSIONING innovation ISLAND
baseline GEOTECHNICAL AND turbines The presence of unexploded ordnances (UXO) on or in
SITE INVESTIGATION
the seabed is challenging for public safety and environ-
mental health. Prior to any offshore construction or
OPPORTUNITIES intervention, a detailed risk assessment is thus re-
INSURANCE AND PLUG AT SEA FOR BIODIVERSITY quired. There are several projects in this area 51 and a
RISK ASSESSMENT
STRUCTURAL HEALTH OCEAN RENEWABLE PORT growing interest in internationally coordinated efforts.
INNOVATIVE MATERIALS MONITORING ENERGY REGENERATION Through Public Innovative Procurement (PIP) the Flem-
ish government engages in de-risking future offshore
interventions. A recent PIP aims to determine whether
techniques exist on the market for safe and cost-effec-
tive removal of UXO in the context of a larger nearshore
UXO dump. 52 This requires precision surveying and
monitoring of environmental concentrations, robot
technology, magneto-surveys, knowledge on explosives,
historical data, etc.
Vole au Vent
© Jan De Nul Group
GEOTECHNICAL AND
SITE INVESTIGATION
© Belgian Offshore C-Power wind farm Preliminary geotechnical site investigation covers a wide range of
Platform (BOP) PIONEERS OF INNOVATIVE © C-Power nv
geophysical and geotechnical activities. Site studies provide a detailed
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT view of the seabed conditions prior to construction. Several companies
Starting from an installed capacity of 30 MW in 2009, Flanders’ industry has pioneered in expertise on far- specialise in hydrographic, geophysical and geotechnical surveys:
8 OW farms with an installed capacity of 2262 MW will shore renewables, developing unique know-how on from cable route surveys, scour monitoring and ROV inspections to
be operational by the end of 2020 (see figure). This foundation construction, cable laying, wind turbine specialised logistics. The SOIL-TWIN project aims to improve the soil-
will provide about half of the residential electricity installation and operations and maintenance. The high structure interaction models by updating them based on lab experiments
consumption in Belgium (or 2 200 000 households; ambition to continue investing in new (inter)national at the Coastal and Ocean Basin (COB) and in-situ measurements on OW
8 TWh/year). The current marine spatial plan 2020- projects requires strong partners to Develop, Build, turbines. The ultimate goal is to optimise the design of offshore mono-
2026 provides for new zones to the west (B, C, D) Finance and Manage OW farms. Several companies piles and potentially expand the application of large-diameter monopile
for the development of an additional capacity of in Belgium offer and export these highly specialised foundations. SOIL-TWIN is a ‘triple-helix’ collaboration initiative by Blue
2000 MW. 48 DBFM services. 49 Cluster with funding from the Flemish government. 53 Geotechnical campaign
© IMDC
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