
Ireland took center stage as the nation of honour during this year’s SeaTech Week in Brest, France, solidifying its position as a key player in maritime innovation. The event showcased Ireland’s leadership and collaborations in several areas, including the blue economy, connected technologies, AI, and decarbonizing maritime transport. Ireland’s participation highlighted not just technological advancements but also the potential for deeper Franco-Irish collaborations in the maritime sector.

Enterprise Ireland, a leading government organization for innovation, led a pivotal workshop that focused on seaport connectivity and Ireland’s burgeoning offshore wind energy sector. The event featured presentations by innovative Irish companies offering forward-thinking solutions aimed at helping Europe achieve its low-carbon goals. With the increasing emphasis on sustainability in global shipping, Ireland’s role in driving the decarbonization of maritime transport was a key point of discussion.
Among the notable participants were representatives from Shannon Foynes Port, the Port of Waterford, and ESB Moneypoint, alongside the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO). Their presence emphasized Ireland’s commitment to pushing forward the development of strategic maritime infrastructure. Senior officials from several Irish government departments—including Transport, Enterprise, and the Environment—joined forces with representatives from Brest Port for detailed discussions on the future of port development and shared ambitions in offshore wind energy between Ireland and France.
SeaTech Week offered a unique platform for both countries to align their strategies on enhancing port connectivity and improving offshore energy capabilities. This gathering was not just about technology; it also focused on addressing cybersecurity risks and ensuring resilience at sea, highlighting the need for robust maritime defense systems.
Looking to the future, Ireland has already set its sights on European Maritime Day 2025, which will be hosted in Cork. Building on the success of Brest’s hosting of the event in 2023, Ireland is preparing to strengthen its collaboration with France and other EU partners through the Atlantic Strategy. This ongoing partnership reinforces a mutual commitment to bolstering maritime innovation and contributing to a more sustainable future for Europe’s oceans.