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Blue economyBlue economy sees a surge in investment and growing investor interestFavourable winds are propelling the blue economy: investment is gaining momentum, dedicated funds are increasing, and more investors are turning their attention to ocean-related opportunities. The European Commission%u2019s %u201cBlueInvest Investor Report 2026: The Next Wave of Blue Growth%u201d highlights the early stages of what could become a much larger wave of capital flowing into the sector.More funds, more interestOne of the clearest signs of this trend is the growth in dedicated %u201cblue funds%u201d %u2014 investment funds focused specifically on ocean-related sectors such as aquaculture, marine energy, and ocean technology. These funds are no longer isolated players. They are part of a broader investment scene that includes venture capital firms, private equity investors, and corporate-backed funds.In total, the report identifies 159 private funds active in the blue economy in the EU. Approximately %u20ac3 billion comes from funds fully dedicated to the sector, while around %u20ac11 billion in private capital comes from investors with partial exposure. This shows that interest in ocean-related opportunities is spreading beyond niche specialists, with more general investors now recognising the potential in these sectors.Who is investing?Venture capital firms are leading this movement, accounting for the majority of investors in this area. Many of these firms are not exclusively focused on oceanrelated activities but are increasingly backing startups working on water, climate, and sustainable technologies. This indicates that the blue economy is becoming part of a wider investment theme rather than a standalone category.At the same time, larger investors are starting to engage. Private equity funds and corporate investors are showing growing interest, particularly in areas linked to infrastructure, energy, and decarbonisation. However, the report notes that later-stage funding is still relatively limited, which can make it harder for companies to scale up.Challenges remainDespite this progress, the blue economy remains underfunded compared to its potential. It combines strong economic opportunities with clear environmental benefits, yet many investors still don%u2019t know enough about it or how to get involved. To help investors navigate these opportunities, the report features in-depth analyses of key blue economy sectors: aquaculture, fisheries, blue biotechnology, blue renewable energy, blue tech, ocean observation, shipping, ports, and water management. Each section presents current trends, market developments, and business opportunities, while showcasing innovative companies from the BlueInvest project pipeline.Overall, the picture is one of growing momentumMore funds are entering the space, more capital is becoming available, and investors%u2019 interest is clearly rising. While challenges remain %u2014 especially in scaling companies and attracting later-stage funding %u2014 the direction of travel is clear. The blue economy is no longer seen as a niche; it is becoming a serious investment theme with the potential to deliver both financial returns and long-term sustainability impact.The first offshore wind development in South AmericaPetrobras has selected Fugro to deliver a geotechnical site investigation for the Rio de Janeiro Offshore Wind Pilot Project, the first offshore wind development in South America to advance under a formal environmental licensing process. The 18 MW pilot marks an essential step in energy diversification as countries in the region begin to establish regulated pathways for the responsible development of offshore wind.Working within a nearshore study area off S%u00e3o Jo%u00e3o da Barra, Fugro will acquire the GEO-data needed to inform safe and efficient design. Activities include soil sampling, in situ testing, and laboratory analysis across four coastal and shallow-water locations, along with onshore investigations to support cable landfall and routing. Field operations and analysis will begin in April and continue through the third quarter of 2026, with final reporting scheduled for 2027.The project stands to benefit from Fugro%u2019s work on early-stage offshore wind developments in emerging markets worldwide, ranging from initial pilot studies to full site characterisation. For this effort, Fugro%u2019s Brazil-based teams will lead delivery, pairing nearshore operations from the Rio das Ostras hub with laboratory analysis at the Pinhais facility. This combination of local insight and global experience will help ensure consistent, decision-ready data for Petrobras.73% of the world%u2019s oceanprotected areas are polluted by sewageA new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the University of Queensland, published in Ocean & Coastal Management, has found that nearly three-quarters of the world's marine protected areas (MPAs) are polluted by sewage. In ocean regions of greatest importance for coral reefs and International waters122 NX