Material shortages, geopolitical tensions, and an outdated fleet that cannot be replaced overnight: the maritime sector is under pressure. “But it is also a storm full of opportunities,” was our approach on December 10 during the closing meeting of the CIRCO Track, which we organised together with BlueCity, CIRCO-NL, and the Municipality of Rotterdam. That is precisely why we dove into the chain with a group of frontrunners: how do we prevent valuable materials from disappearing, and how do we build a system together in which parts are recycled instead of discarded?

From loss of value to joint opportunities

During three intensive workshop days, Heerema Marine Contractors, Royal IHC, Damen Shiprepair & Conversion, TNO, AYOP – Offshore Energy Network, VLZS, Rotterdam Ship Repair B.V., RemoraDocks, Bakker Repair + Services, Re-Quip Foundation, and Eerland Shiprepair B.V. investigated where value is lost in their value chains and how this can be changed by exploiting joint opportunities.

Curious about the results? Read a detailed report of this CIRCO track and its follow-up here (in Dutch)!

Maritime Circular Multi-Year Program

This initiative is not isolated. Maritime Sisters and BlueCity have been working for four years, on behalf of the Municipality of Rotterdam and the Province of South Holland, to unlock circular opportunities in the maritime sector. The CIRCO Track builds on that foundation.
The core remains: Smart use of materials = smart business.