Blue Gates Project
Empowering Blue and Smart Transformation of the Black Sea Basin
Project Description
The Blue Gates Project is an EU-funded initiative under the INTERREG Black Sea Basin Programme 2014–2020 (Project Code BSB 00189), aiming to promote sustainable growth of the Blue Economy across the Black Sea region. By fostering cooperation among municipalities, universities, research centres, and innovation hubs, the project targets high-potential sectors including:
- Marine living resources
- Renewable energy
- Port activities
- Shipbuilding and maritime transport
- Coastal and marine tourism
Through joint tools, digital platforms, and innovative solutions, the project strengthens the Blue Economy ecosystem, promoting economic growth, environmental sustainability, and job creation.
Black Sea Basin
Connecting maritime communities across the region
Project Goal & Key Activities
Project Goal
To accelerate sustainable and innovative transformation of the Blue Economy and create new opportunities for regional development.
Key Activities
- International workshops and networking events
- Joint research hubs for aquatic ecosystem management
- Summer schools for knowledge transfer and skills development
- International DEMO Days to showcase advanced technologies
- Development of innovative tools for sustainable aquaculture and marine resource protection
Maritime
Tourism
Fishing
Heritage
Partnership & Detailed Descriptions
The Blue Gates Project brings together municipalities, universities, research centres, and innovation hubs from across the Black Sea region to foster cooperation and promote sustainable development of the Blue Economy.
Black Sea Universities Network (BSUN)
InternationalAn international academic network established in 1998 in Constanța, Romania, uniting over 115 universities from 12 countries. BSUN promotes academic and research cooperation through exchanges, joint projects, and international programs for sustainable development and the Blue Economy.
Visit WebsiteRecep Tayyip Erdoğan University
TürkiyeFounded in 2006 in Rize, Turkey, with over 15,000 students. The university offers programs in fisheries, maritime industry, engineering, and healthcare, participating in international projects and exchanges to support sustainable development and the Blue Economy.
Visit WebsiteBurgas Municipality
BulgariaGoverns Burgas city and 12 surrounding settlements (population ~196,000). Actively participates in international programs such as LIFE, Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, and INTERREG. Priorities: sustainable development, environmental protection, maritime transport and tourism, Blue Economy, Black Sea management, Burgas port and airport, smart maritime solutions, and innovation support.
Visit WebsiteOdesa National Maritime University (ONMU)
UkraineEstablished in 1930, educating students from over 90 countries. Offers maritime transport, port operations, marine engineering, and logistics programs. Participates in TEMPUS, Erasmus+, CEI, and is ISO 9001 certified. Supports sustainable development and innovation in the Blue Economy.
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Eastern Black Sea Development Agency (DOKA)
TürkiyeA regional agency established in 2009 to support economic and social development in six northeastern Turkish provinces. DOKA promotes innovation, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship through technical and financial assistance. It participates in EU programs and projects focused on the Blue Economy.
Visit WebsiteFunding
Co-financed by the European Union under the INTERREG Black Sea Basin Programme 2014–2020, Project Code BSB 00189.
