Portugal steps up Blue Economy ambitions with new international investment drive

Portugal is stepping up efforts to expand its Blue Economy sector after investment agency AICEP and Fórum Oceano signed a new cooperation agreement aimed at accelerating the internationalisation of Portuguese companies and attracting strategic investment linked to the sustainable ocean economy.

The agreement was signed during the Oeiras BlueTech Ocean Forum 2026, which brought together business leaders, investors, researchers and policymakers to discuss innovation, sustainability and emerging opportunities in the maritime sector.

Under the partnership, the two organisations will work together to strengthen the international promotion of Portugal’s Blue Economy, support the global expansion of Portuguese companies and attract new investment projects in high-value ocean-related industries.

The initiative is designed to enhance Portugal’s position as a leading destination for marine innovation while increasing the visibility of the country’s growing ocean economy ecosystem.

“The Blue Economy represents one of the areas with the greatest growth potential for Portugal,” said Madalena Oliveira e Silva, president of AICEP Portugal Global.

“This protocol strengthens the international promotion of Portuguese companies, the attraction of investment and Portugal’s position as a global hub for ocean-related innovation,” she said.

The partnership will focus on sectors including bluetech, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, offshore renewable energy, ports, maritime transport, shipbuilding and marine ecosystem protection and restoration.

The agreement also includes plans for training initiatives, international promotion campaigns and business networking activities aimed at helping Portuguese companies access new markets and develop international partnerships.

AICEP and Fórum Oceano have already collaborated on business missions, investment promotion initiatives and international events designed to showcase Portugal’s capabilities in the maritime sector.

The move comes as the Blue Economy plays an increasingly important role in economic competitiveness, technological innovation and sustainability. Portuguese authorities see the sector as a key driver of qualified employment, research and development, and the sustainable use of marine resources.

With one of Europe’s largest maritime zones already, Portugal is still waiting to hear if it can expand its continental shelf to take in a staggering 3.9 million square kms of sea. The bid was submitted to the United Nations in 2009, but no decisions have yet been announced – and ‘concerns raised’ by Spain and Morocco suggest they won’t be for quite some time to come.

Sources: LUSA/ Executive Digest/ CESA – Centre for African and Development Studies

Natasha Donn

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.