On 27 June 2025, the Marine Cluster of Bulgaria, the country’s National Hub of the Black Sea Assistance Mechanism (BSAM), supported by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Enterprise Europe Network, Bulgarian National Association of Shipbuilding and Ship repair (BULNAS), and the Bulgarian Chamber of Shipping (BCS), organised an event titled “Connectivity in the Black Sea Region: Translating innovative ideas into practical solutions”. This conference was held in Varna, as part of the Common Maritime Agenda #CMAinmycountry and the European Maritime Day in my country #EMDinmycountry. The event gathered 75 participants from across the maritime sector, including national and local authorities, academia & young researchers, businesses, NGOs, and EU institutions, to explore practical initiatives, identify funding opportunities, and foster cooperation in the maritime transport sector in the Black Sea.
The conference focused on transitioning policy and research into practical implementation of innovative projects and solutions such as new vessel types, improving port infrastructure, and enhancing regional cooperation through initiatives such as the S3 Shipbuilding Propulsion Systems Alliance. Participants also explored diverse financial instruments to support innovation in the blue economy sector. The event was structured into several blocks designed to facilitate practical dialogue and foster partnership among the audience.
The opening session consisted of keynote speakers who underlined the importance of the Black Sea as a vital link between and beyond the EU, the role of innovative solutions in the blue economy sector, and particularly how these are supporting a sustainable future in EU. Key themes included the digitalisation of port operations, projects for improving port infrastructures, and the essential support of national and EU authorities to enhance maritime transport connectivity among the Black Sea countries.
The next session started by showcasing the BSAM-supported CMA achievements and foreseen next steps, followed by presentations which explored the future of the shipbuilding sector, featuring inspiring contributions and experimental studies from young scientists and researchers in the Black Sea region. During this session, speakers highlighted how these practical applications are transforming and enhancing the sector’s efficiency while providing sustainable alternatives that minimise the environmental impacts.
Three thematic discussions followed, in panel format, addressing the topics below:
1) Innovative technologies in maritime transport and coastal tourism, focused on hydrogen technologies through pilot projects and the need for robust infrastructure, clear long-term regulations, and synergies between maritime companies to promote concrete actions for accelerating the EU’s sustainable energy sector;
2) Black Sea Region Potential for Developing New Value Chain, focused on the strategic S3 Partnership "Shipbuilding Propulsion Systems Alliance” role in decarbonising the shipping sector and in enhancing its value chain, strongly encouraging cross-border collaboration and alignment between sea basin strategies by introducing innovative projects; and finally, the existing
3) Financial instruments in support of innovations in the Black Sea region, and EU funding opportunities, in which panellists highlighted the existing wide range of EU grants available for innovative projects in the blue economy sectors such as the Horizon Europe, the EIC Accelerator, complemented by venture capital funds and private investments, all aimed at driving sustainable and technological development in the maritime sector.
Finally, the conference also held an interactive workshop on “Connectivity in the Black Sea Region, Opportunities and Challenges in Building International Partnerships” followed by a networking session to encourage participants to brainstorm on the previous panel's ideas and collaborate on future projects based on knowledge transfer of existing technologies such as a conceptual pilot hydrogen-powered high speed vessel, and discuss about the creation of a “Black Sea Yachting Innovation Hub” as a potential leading centre for training and professional development in maritime tourism and shipbuilding, aimed at connecting local talent, sustainable infrastructure and high-value tourism.
The conference was instrumental in the region’s journey from policy discussions to concrete actions and pilot projects. It underscored the vital role of collaboration, funding opportunities, innovation, young engagement and research in shaping a modern, competitive, and sustainable maritime economy in the Black Sea.