Tractebel signed up to the so-called 'Blue Cluster' pact

On February 15th, the Flemish government and businesses from various sectors (Colruyt, DEME, Jan De Nul, SIBELCO, Sioen Industries, Tractebel) signed the Cluster Pact. This pact establishes the engagement of the cluster members and the Flemish Government.

"The commitment is a maximum of half a million euro per year over a period of 10 years", explained Philippe Muyters, the Flemish Minister for Innovation.

“Scientists claim that the 21st century will be the so-called “century of the oceans”. The sea is not just a natural resource. It also offers a multitude of possibilities for research and sustainable exploitation, across various sectors,” said Geert Bourgeois, the Flemish Minister-President. 

The Flemish Government sees the potential of a blue economy and therefore wants to engage more in innovative initiatives in and around the North Sea. It sees innovation as key to future prosperity and jobs. In order to use the full potential of the North Sea in a sustainable way, close cooperation and sharing of knowledge is needed between knowledge centres and companies from different disciplines.

The Blue Cluster was initiated at the end of 2017 by a group of companies; Colruyt, DEME, Jan De Nul, Sioen Industries, Tractebel, Vanbreda Risk & Benefits, etc. Its goal: exploit the innovative and sustainable possibilities of the North Sea and beyond. The cluster wants to be the reference for sustainable development in the North Sea, with a focus on ecological coastal protection, regeneration of biodiversity and continuous supply of healthy seafood and, renewable energy production and storage.

The cluster was recognised in 2018 as a  ‘spearhead cluster’,  a partnership between companies, knowledge institutions and the government, by the Flemish government (Vlaio, the Flanders Innovation and Entrepreneurship Agency). Currently it counts 137 members, including knowledge centres and companies, ranging from small to the larger companies.

With the support of the Flemish Government, the cluster members will be looking to explore the potential of a blue economy and develop innovative projects within several domains, such as ocean pollution, climate change, healthy food, energy, maritime accessibility and blue, eco-educational tourism, all with respect for the ecosystem. The cooperation of the cluster could lead to international cooperation and investment. As a result from the first call for projects, 12 projects will now, under guidance from the Blue Cluster, be submitted to the agency Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO).