Expert Opinions: The Future of the Blue Economy

For centuries, our oceans and seas have helped power the global economy. Central to this has been innovation and a pioneering spirit. From clippers shipping goods around the globe, to divers and submariners exploring deep below the waves and communicators installing inter-continental submarine cables, each evoked fresh thinking to achieve ambitions.

Today, that courage to push boundaries remains alive and well in our underwater industry. We have developed technologies and equipment that has enabled industry and academia to explore, conduct research, and work in the harsh and unforgiving environment of our seas and oceans. Yet, there is huge potential for growth in the blue economy, harnessing the oceans’ resources in a sustainable, environmental manner.

MANAGING NET-ZERO AMBITIONS

By 2050, countries around the world have outlined ambitions to reach net-zero, at a time when the global population is estimated to reach nine billion. To fulfil the needs of a growing population in terms of energy, communications and food supply, whilst reducing global emissions and reaching net-zero, harnessing the promise of our oceans and new technologies is key.

Security and surety of supply, affordability, and decarbonization will remain at the forefront of the future energy industry. Floating offshore wind equipment and knowledge pioneered in Scottish waters will be applied in seas worldwide, offering an efficient means to capture the wind’s power. Challenges remain around increasing the size and scale of turbines and siting them in deeper waters.

The energy generated by the ebb and flow of waves and tides can be utilized as a source of electrical power. Research continues into the most efficient methods, but the opportunity is clear.

The world’s waterways are used by many sectors. Respecting those competing needs for seabed space in a sustainable and manageable way is critical. Maximizing how we use that space, potentially for different purposes, is central to responsible marine stewardship.

Should offshore wind farms accommodate wave and tidal arrays or house floating solar developments, for instance. While aquaculture trials co-located within offshore wind farms are underway to identify what conditions are suitable for kelp and mussel aquaculture to thrive.

ACTIONING COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS

Co-location of different underwater sectors in the same sea space needs greater discussion now to meet impending global pressures.

Thousands of kilometers of undersea cables for offshore wind and data communications, along with subsea oil and gas pipelines, are part of our critical global seabed infrastructure. Inspecting and protecting them from new threats is imperative.

ROV technologies developed in the defense sector and honed by the oil and gas industry, which improved safety and cost-efficiency, can be applied across the underwater sectors to undertake inspection, repair and maintenance operations. Developments in automated underwater vehicles (AUVs) and uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) offer additional inspection options, particularly when coupled with subsea battery storage systems.

Necessity is the mother of invention. The underwater industry has clearly evidenced this. Fresh thinking and new technologies that emanate from academia and the underwater supply chain today can be used to address future global needs.

The blue economy can help power and feed the world, and charting the right, sustainable course is key to delivering this.

By Neil Gordon, CEO, Global Underwater Hub

This story was originally featured in ON&T's December Special Edition 2023 issue. Click here to read more.