Towards the Circular Blue Economy

The study on Circular Economy applied to the Blue Economy arises from the collaboration between Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center and SRM.
The report aims to highlight the strategic importance of a circular approach to foster a sustainable transition in the maritime and logistics sectors, in line with global challenges of decarbonization and efficient resource management.

According to the Blue Economy Report 2024 published by the European Commission, the turnover of the European Union’s Blue Economy increased by 21%, rising from 513.2 billion euros in 2020 to 623.6 billion euros in 2021. Nationally, the economic data confirms the importance of the blue economy, with the strategic role of the Mediterranean and the Suez Canal serving as a link between Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
The report explores the principles and circularity solutions applied to the Blue Economy value chain, also in relation to international and national regulations and strategies.

The blue economy must overcome environmental pressures, from pollution to biodiversity loss, by adopting a circular model, particularly in fishing, aquaculture, and water management.
In the logistics sector, 12.3 billion tons of goods were transported in 2023 through maritime trade, and in this context, synthetic fuels based on CO2, hydrogen, and ammonia offer solutions for decarbonizing the maritime sector. Additionally, projects such as the "Smart Ports" initiative in the Italian PNRR aim to digitize and make ports more sustainable.

Sustainable management of marine resources and underwater monitoring is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food security. Circular eco-dredging techniques represent a response to coastal erosion phenomena, especially in a country like Italy. Finally, the restoration of the marine ecosystem also involves the conversion of abandoned industrial sites.