Thordur and Emil presenting on stage

Co-location at sea asks for Nordic leadership

Benefitting from co-location of marine activities requires a coordinated approach. The Nordic region is well-positioned to take the leadership in coordinating the development of co-location projects, states new report.
Published: Updated:

The report was launched during the event: The Nordic conference on co-location of marine industries on 26 September. It is funded under Nordic Innovation’s Sustainable Ocean Economy program with the aim of investigating the concept of co-location in marine environments within the Nordic region. The focus is on integrating various activities such as energy production, aquaculture, and other maritime industries within the same geographic area. The overall aim is to enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact and to promote sustainable development.

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The Nordics as natural leader

The report concludes that while co-location offers substantial benefits, it requires a coordinated approach involving political, industrial, and environmental stakeholders. The Nordic region, with its strong tradition of cooperation, is well-positioned to lead the development and implementation of co-location projects.

The importance of Nordic cooperation is especially highlighted in overcoming regulatory and operational challenges as harmonization of regulations and development of marine spatial plans are necessary for a successful realization of co-location projects at sea.

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Need for research and innovation

The report also highlights the need for research and innovation to address the environmental and technological challenges within co-location, including the development of new methods for sustainable aquaculture and the integration of renewable energy sources.

Overall, the report describes promising opportunities when it comes to developing and implementing co-location of marine activities in the Nordics. With the right initiatives, including policy harmonization, cross sectoral collaboration and research/innovation, co-location can contribute substantially to sustainable development of the Nordic region.

Nordic conference on co-location

The report was launched during the event: The Nordic conference on co-location of marine industries in Malmø 25-26 September. The conference is organized in collaboration with The Swedish Board of Agriculture and the Rural Network as a part of Sweden’s presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

Read more about the conference

Contacts

Emil Gejrot - Innovation Adviser

Emil Gejrot

Innovation Adviser
+47 469 63 713
emil.gejrot@nordicinnovation.org
Emil has extensive experience of innovation projects and policy analysis in the Nordic region and beyond. Before joining Nordic Innovation, he worked for a research consultancy where he focused on digital transformation, inclusion, and sustainability. He holds an MA in Transcultural Studies and has lived and worked in Sweden, Norway, the UK, and Germany.

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