The first chapter defines the Blue Economy, providing key economic data and identifying the sectors that comprise it, as well as exploring the many opportunities offered by the transition to the Circular Blue Economy.
Towards the Circular Blue Economy – Report 2025 | Innovation Center
Produced jointly by Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center and SRM – Centre for Southern Italy Studies – the report "Towards a Circular Blue Economy" focuses on applying the principles of the Circular economy to the Blue economy in order to tackle global challenges such as pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss.
The aim is to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and innovation-oriented economy, focusing on the strategic potential of the Blue Economy supply chains which, according to a European Commission report, generated a turnover of 632.6 billion in 2021 compared to 513.2 billion in 2020 (+21%). This in-depth study is a fundamental tool for professionals, businesses and institutions that are developing sustainable growth strategies in the Mediterranean area and globally.
Circular Blue Economy Report Index
The report takes a deep dive into innovative solutions that bring Circular Economy principles into different areas of the Blue Economy. It focuses on using and managing resources efficiently and reducing environmental impact. It gives a clear and detailed picture of the real strategies for dealing with today's main environmental and economic challenges.
Chapter 1 - Blue Economy: definition and sectors
Chapter 2 - Economic, environmental and regulatory scenario
This chapter analyses the dynamics of maritime trade and human activities that exert pressure on marine ecosystems, illustrating the economic, environmental and regulatory context of the Blue Economy.
Chapter 3 - Circularity principles and solutions applied to the Blue Economy Value Chain
The third and final chapter focuses on circularity principles and solutions applied to the entire Blue Economy supply chain, addressing the main economic and environmental impacts generated by the adoption of the circular paradigm.
Key insights from the Circular Blue Economy Report
Sustainable management of water and marine resources
Globally, 2.2 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water. Furthermore, by 2030, there is expected to be a 40% shortage of water resources.
- Desalination: a concrete response to the problem of water scarcity, which can be achieved through the adoption of innovative technologies and the use of renewable energy.
Sustainable management of marine resources is also essential for preserving biodiversity and ensuring food security. With this in mind, innovative practices such as MSC certification and traceability systems support transparency in the fishing industry supply chain.
- MSC scheme: voluntary certification for companies in the sector to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks and the traceability of products throughout the entire supply chain.
- Innovative traceability solutions: based, for example, on blockchain technology, these support transparency in the fishing industry supply chain.
Circularity solutions for restoring coastal ecosystems
Over the last 50 years, Italy has lost 35 million square metres of coastline due to erosion, suffering economic damage of over €45 billion. Circular and innovative solutions such as environmental monitoring, eco-drainage and interventions for industrial conversion and restoration of the marine ecosystem are the main responses to this critical issue.
- Environmental and underwater monitoring: assesses the health of underwater habitats and provides essential data for understanding the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems.
- Circular eco-drainage techniques for ports and coastal areas: reduce the release of contaminants and protect sensitive habitats, improving navigability and access to port infrastructure.
- Industrial conversion and restoration of the marine ecosystem: integrated interventions involving institutions, local authorities and technologies to redevelop contaminated areas and promote the regeneration of coastal biodiversity.
Innovation in alternative fuels for maritime logistics
In 2023, 12.3 billion tonnes of goods were transported by sea. The environmental impact of maritime trade highlights the importance of sustainable innovations in maritime logistics, particularly through the use of alternative fuels and cold ironing.
- Synthetic fuels: based on CO2, hydrogen and ammonia, they offer solutions for decarbonising the maritime sector.
- Cold ironing: powering ships with electricity while they are docked in port eliminates the need to keep their engines running, reducing polluting emissions.
Why download the Circular Blue Economy Report?
The report gives you access to exclusive, detailed data on the Blue Economy and the main solutions for supporting the transition to a sustainable and innovative Blue Economy. In the report, you will find:
- Exclusive data: an overview of global trends with insights into the market, growth, environmental challenges and innovative circular practices.
- Practical solutions: key innovations for circularity in maritime and port logistics, marine ecosystem restoration, sustainable marine resource management and sustainable fishing.
- Focus on the Mediterranean: analysis of the strategic role played by the Mediterranean area and its centrality to international trade, including port and logistics development.
- Opportunities for businesses and policy makers: practical suggestions and advice on how to integrate circular models into all sectors of the Blue Economy, both traditional and innovative.
Download the full report on the Circular Blue Economy
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You will have access to an exclusive analysis of the future of the Blue Economy!
THE REPORT "TOWARDS THE CIRCULAR BLUE ECONOMY"
