Track: Blue Economy

Welcome to the Smart City Expo World Congress! This first session of the event aims to welcome the audience to the SCEWC with an opening speech by the event directors Ugo Valenti and Maria Tsavachidis. It will also count on the participation of high-level representatives who will address how cities are working to transform, innovate, and create to live, move & build better.

Join us for the opening session of Tomorrow.BlueEconomy, featuring leaders from Smart City Expo World Congress, Port of Barcelona, World Ocean Council, and Barcelona City Council as they share their vision for a sustainable blue economy. This event also marks the inauguration of the Smart Ports Congress, organized by the Port of Barcelona, with welcome remarks and insights from international port representatives on advancing smart, sustainable ports worldwide.

Just-in-Time Arrival guidelines place a key emphasis on Data Quality. Through the presentation of findings from early adopter ports and online surveys, attendees will gain insights into current operational practices and the potential value of adopting optimization measures. The efforts of the taskforce to synchronize activities with IMO aiming to bolster resilience and efficiency across maritime supply chains will also be highlighted.

With drug trafficking and organized crime on the rise, the European Commission is taking action with the European Ports Alliance and its Public-Private Partnership. Instead of sticking to traditional methods and government control, we will explore how disruptive innovation can be our secret weapon. Join us to learn how governments, port authorities and shipping companies can secure ports and fight crime.

Supply chains have proven vulnerable, as evidenced by events such as the extreme drought in the Panama Canal early this year, the COVID-19 pandemic, the crisis in the Red Sea, and more. With extreme weather patterns and rising sea levels increasingly linked to climate change, alongside political crises and geopolitical conflicts, there is a growing concern over how these issues will impact international maritime transit. In light of these challenges, what tools can we leverage to mitigate these effects? What best practices should be embraced? Are there disruptive solutions on the horizon to minimize disturbances?

Throughout history, ports have been the gateway for trade, goods, and people, and therefore, also for new ideas and innovation. The changing landscape of logistics and technology, along with increased awareness of climate change, has forced port authorities to shift their mindset and embrace a new role in cities to reduce environmental impact. This panel session will explore the dynamics between ports and cities, focusing on key themes such as environmental conservation and biodiversity protection, economic support and growth, human resource development, job creation, and the integration of green spaces.

The changing landscape of logistics and technology has forced port authorities to embrace a new role, turning them into hub managers overseeing a complex network of stakeholders and operations. Over the course of the 21st century, there has been an important shift in focus among port authorities, moving away from facilitating maritime connections to actively acting as business promoters. Join us in this session to explore the envisioned future of ports in 2040 and discover the direction ports are taking.

BlueMissionMed is a European project focused on designing, structuring, and supporting an innovation ecosystem in the Mediterranean basin to accelerate progress toward the goals of the 'Restore our Oceans and Waters by 2030' Mission, with a particular emphasis on preventing and eliminating pollution. In this session, the project will showcase solutions related to the port and tourism sectors, aiming to foster collaboration among key stakeholders.

Discover Brazil's opportunities as a leader in the water economy, clean energy, and agroindustry. The country excels in sustainable water management, leads in renewable energy, and uses precision technologies in agroindustry. With a favorable regulatory environment and public-private partnerships, Brazil attracts significant international investments. Explore how Brazil combines resources with innovation and sustainability.

In this session, we explore how start-ups can effectively collaborate with port authorities to drive success. We will explore practical strategies for start-ups in port-related industries, ranging from understanding regulations to finding ways to collaborate effectively. Additionally, we will delve into the role of innovation hubs that are gaining strength in this sector. Come join us as we uncover how start-ups can use partnerships with port authorities to drive growth and innovation.

This session will feature leaders from global innovation hubs who will showcase their cutting-edge projects and collaborations, discussing how these initiatives foster innovation and promote sustainable growth in the maritime and cleantech sectors.

Emerging companies and start-ups in the maritime, logistics, and sustainability sectors will present their innovative solutions, offering a glimpse into the future of port technology and sustainability.

This session aims to explore the transformative impact of innovative technologies and practices on port sustainability. By examining real-world case studies and future trends, this session will highlight the path towards more sustainable port ecosystems, emphasizing collaboration and policymaking as essential components in achieving these goals. The Port of Barcelona has embarked on an ambitious plan to develop dock electrification, known as Nexigen, with the aim of providing ships with renewable electrical energy during their time in port.

With the pressing need to tackle carbon emissions in the maritime industry, cities and ports are teaming up like never before. Green corridors, a rapidly expanding initiative, are making it possible for ports and cities to turn climate goals into real actions. This session provides a chance to take a deeper dive into some of these projects and hear from world-leading ports and cities.

Join us for a discussion on the potential impact of AI. With AI being relatively underutilized in the port industry until recently, this session offers valuable insights into the innovative applications that have begun to shape the landscape. Participants will engage in discussions on the transformative potential of AI technologies in optimizing port operations, enhancing efficiency, and addressing emerging challenges.

In this keynote session, we delve into how innovation and technology are revolutionizing port security. As technology continues to advance and cybercrime becomes increasingly sophisticated, ensuring the safety of ports has become vital. Join us as we explore the evolving role of innovation in shaping the future of port security.

Join us at this roundtable discussion to explore innovative tools driving sustainability in the Blue Economy, focusing on the port-city relationship. Experts from businesses, port authorities and NGOs will share successful cross-sector strategies. Discover how technology, regulations, and community involvement can turn port-city dynamics into economic and environmental opportunities. Connect with leaders and transform your understanding of sustainable port-city ecosystems. Be part of the journey towards a thriving blue future.

BlueTechPort promotes the Blue Economy in Barcelona, seeking the combination of innovation and sustainability with marine and coastal resources. Currently operating at Pier01 at Tech Barcelona, this project promotes collaboration and innovation. Learn more about the first ecosystemic building dedicated entirely to the development of the Blue Economy.

Join us for an engaging panel discussion on addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: plastic pollution in urban waterways. Hosted by The Great Bubble Barrier in collaboration with esteemed speakers, this event aims to showcase innovative approaches while promoting collaborative solutions for cities worldwide.

Join a panel of leading experts as they explore how innovation powers sustainable growth in the Blue Economy. Dive into trends, challenges in scaling ocean tech, and the critical roles of policy, investment, and partnerships. The session includes rapid-fire pitches from 12 start-ups, each showcasing unique, impactful solutions for the future of our oceans. Don’t miss this inspiring convergence of insights and actionable strategies!

This panel session will explore how cities and communities of all sizes relate to the water around them - ocean, lake and river. From policy and implementation on coastal resilience, infrastructure and blue economy to fisheries, biodiversity, and equitable access to waterfronts and public space, city leaders from around the world will compare and share best practices, along with key partners and influencers.

Barcelona hosts the 37th America’s Cup (AC37) in 2024. This session will cover the lessons learned and the impact it has had on the city in terms of economics, promotion and visibility, as well as improvements in infrastructure such as the Olympic Port, Port Vell, and 5G connectivity that have modernized the city and left a clear legacy.

The 37th America’s Cup (AC37) in Barcelona has showcased projects of economic, scientific and innovation legacy, especially within the context of the blue economy. The discussion will cover various initiatives in this area, such as blue entrepreneurship and employment projects, new blue spaces in the city, major events, public outreach, as well as future projects that help consolidate Barcelona as the Mediterranean Capital of the Blue Economy.

This panel will bring together public, private, and civil sectors with a "whole of ocean and water" approach, weaving in highlights from key events, partnerships, and programs. Topics include "Smart Ocean-Smart Industries," "Blue Glue: Ports, Harbors, and Cities for Coastal Resilience," the "Centre of Excellence for Green Shipping," as well as discussions on investments, biodiversity, and innovation with diverse representation.