Belgium’s Blue Accelerator, a cutting-edge hub for maritime innovation, has just leveled up its game. With a sleek new infrastructure overhaul, this blue economy testing platform is now better equipped than ever to meet the surging demand for offshore research and development. From underwater drones to advanced sensors, the upgrades are setting the stage for groundbreaking discoveries in the blue economy sector.
A Three-Phase Transformation
The expansion of Blue Accelerator was no small feat—it unfolded in three meticulously planned phases. In fall 2024, inspection specialists CSpect deployed an underwater drone armed with cameras, sonar, and sensors to conduct a detailed visual inspection inside the monopile. This high-tech reconnaissance mission paved the way for the next step: a climbing team from All Works at Height removed the J-Tubes, creating space for the installation of cutting-edge infrastructure.
By January 2025, the site was buzzing with activity as new frames, sensors, and test plates were installed both inside and outside the monopile. These upgrades are part of the ambitious Test@Sea project, a collaborative effort involving VLIZ-Flanders Marine Institute, Sirris, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Ghent University, and De Blauwe Cluster (Blue Cluster). The project’s goal? To revolutionize offshore testing methods and expand the site with floating and submersible structures.
Meeting the Demands of the Blue Economy
“Thanks to the expansion of testing capacity, we are meeting market demands within the Blue Economy sector,” Blue Accelerator announced in a recent social media post. Located just 500 meters from the eastern breakwater of Ostend, Belgium, this maritime innovation platform is operated by POM West Flanders. It serves as a testing ground for companies, research centers, and knowledge institutions looking to validate new technologies for the blue economy.
The platform’s unique setup allows for testing below, above, and at sea level, making it a one-stop shop for offshore innovation. In October 2022, Danish clean energy start-up Exowave put the site to the test by deploying a scale model of its wave energy technology. The results? A resounding success, proving that Blue Accelerator is the go-to destination for real-world offshore validation.
A Hub for Tomorrow’s Maritime Breakthroughs
With its upgraded infrastructure, Blue Accelerator is poised to become a global leader in offshore testing and innovation. Whether it’s advancing pre-standardization processes or enabling cutting-edge research, this platform is shaping the future of the blue economy. As the demand for sustainable maritime solutions grows, Blue Accelerator is ready to lead the charge.
