The project “Centre of Excellence in Maritime Robotics and Technologies for Sustainable Blue Economy (CoE MARBLE)” was officially presented at the Brodarski Institut in Zagreb on February 4, 2025. This project is funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe Widening Program (Teaming for Excellence).
The official launch of the Centre’s construction and development was supported by numerous high-level representatives from the European Commission, the Government of the Republic of Croatia, and the Ministry of Science, Education, and Youth of the Republic of Croatia, highlighting the importance of investing in the sustainable blue economy and maritime infrastructure innovations.
“The main purpose of this collaboration is to create new or upgrade existing centers of excellence by connecting with leading scientific institutions. Several key components will play an important role in their development, including excellence in research and innovation, as well as funding. You can truly be proud of everything you have achieved so far—sincere congratulations and best of luck,” said Federica Roffi, Deputy Head of the Widening Participation Unit at the European Research Executive Agency.
Speakers also included CEO of CoE MARBLE and Project Coordinator Prof. dr. sc. Nikola Mišković, Slávka Otčenášová, Policy Officer at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Prof. dr.sc. Sverre Steen, Head of the Department of Maritime Technology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Alessandro Iafrati, Director of the Institute of Marine Engineering at the Italian National Research Council, Dr. Luka Korlaet, Deputy Mayor of the City of Zagreb, Prof. dr. sc. Vedran Bilas, Dean of UNIZG-FER, and finally Prof. dr. sc. Radovan Fuchs, Envoy of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of Science, Education, and Youth.
In the final address minister Fuchs said: “I am particularly pleased to be here today, as I have witnessed developments in Croatian shipbuilding for many years, which has been left without its research content in ship and maritime technologies. In a world of uncertain global events, Europe needs top-tier technological results that can be implemented into new industries with added value. I am confident that this project, which combines maritime technologies, artificial intelligence, and robotics, will achieve excellent results, in line with both the goals of the Republic of Croatia and the European Union’s policies.”
The official launch of the Centre’s construction and development was supported by numerous high-level representatives from the European Commission, the Government of the Republic of Croatia, and the Ministry of Science, Education, and Youth of the Republic of Croatia, highlighting the importance of investing in the sustainable blue economy and maritime infrastructure innovations.