The blue economy

Do you work in or with the blue economy? In industry, public sector or civil society? Then C2B2 is interested in you.

What is the the blue economy?

Different understandings of the “blue economy” give different emphasis on economic recovery, climate neutrality, circular production, preserving biodiversity, mobility, trade, etcetera. In C2B2 we use the term sustainable blue economy to stress the need to strive for sustainable use of the ocean by various sectors.

The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) writes in Environment at a Glance Indicators that efficiency and optimization of natural marine resources within ecological limits is paramount in the blue economy. The ocean is seen as a space for development where marine spatial planning, especially at national level integrates the interests and needs of conservation, sustainable use, extractive activities, marine transportation and coastal tourism, and ensures that the integrity and functioning of coastal and ocean systems is maintained. According to the EU blue economy report 2021, a sustainable blue economy is a means to achieving the objectives of the European Green Deal and ensure a green and inclusive recovery from the pandemic.

The Swedish blue economy

Overall, the role of the blue economy is vital for Sweden, with shipping, marine technology, and natural resources being key contributors. Growth potential is significant, despite regional and sector-specific challenges. From 2014 to 2020, Sweden’s marine sectors experienced growth in employment, reaching 44 500 jobs by 2020, with significant hubs in Western Sweden. Annual net turnover averaged 106 billion SEK, contributing notably to Sweden’s business sector turnover. Value added by marine businesses averaged 31 billion SEK during this period, making up 0.6 % of Sweden’s GDP. Export share for maritime industries was higher than the national average, driven by sectors like Maritime technology and Sea as a natural resource. The shipping sector, responsible for a significant portion of imports and exports, demonstrated growth in value added which was higher compared to the Swedish sector as a whole, despite declining vessel numbers and employment. Sweden’s fishing sector saw fluctuating catch values and declining number of vessels and employment from 2014 to 2020, despite increased landed values. Offshore wind power emerged as a growing sector, with substantial expansion expected to drive employment and economic activity across various industries in Sweden.

Regional differences are notable across the Gulf of Bothnia, Baltic Proper, and Kattegat-Skagerrak. The Kattegat-Skagerrak area stands out with its shipping and fishery sectors, contributing 61 % of Sweden’s transport turnover and 46% of total fish catches. The Baltic Proper seems to be facing a decline in fish catches but remains an important hub for shipping, while the Gulf of Bothnia is less competitive overall, with smaller contributions from fishing and shipping. Wind farms are currently operational only in the Baltic Proper, though similar developments are expected in the Gulf of Bothnia and the Kattegat-Skagerrak area.

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