BlueTech Around the World: Ocean Innovation & Maritime Technologies

Marilou SUC

Welcome to BlueTech Around the World, the podcast exploring ocean innovation, maritime technologies and the future of the Blue Economy. I'm Marilou Suc, your host, and in each episode, I meet the entrepreneurs, experts and innovators developing technologies and solutions that are transforming the way we interact with the ocean. From fisheries and aquaculture to shipping, marine robotics, ocean monitoring, offshore energy, marine biotechnology and environmental technologies, we explore innovation across the entire Blue Economy, with a focus on innovation FOR and BY the Ocean. Through expert interviews and conversations with BlueTech leaders from around the world, we dive into: • Emerging ocean and maritime technologies. • BlueTech entrepreneurship and innovation. • Business models, market development and scaling. • Real-world applications and industry challenges. • The people and stories behind ocean innovation. Whether you're a BlueTech entrepreneur, investor, researcher, maritime professional, or simply curious about the technologies shaping the future of our ocean, you're in the right place. 🌊 Discover the technologies transforming the way we interact with the ocean, and the people making them happen. Subscribe and join the BlueTech Around the World community. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. 3d ago

    Seaweed Revolution: What will it really take to scale?

    Seaweed is everywhere in the blue economy conversation. But can we actually scale it? Food, feed, biostimulants, biomaterials, pharmaceuticals, carbon, biodiversity… Seaweed is often presented as one of the ocean’s most promising resources. Yet behind the hype lies a much more complex reality: 98% of farmed seaweed is still produced in Asia, most farms remain highly manual, technology adoption is limited, and emerging regions are still searching for the right business models and markets. In this episode of BlueTech Around the World, I sit down with Karlotta Rieve from Hatch Blue, who has visited more than 200 seaweed farms across Asia, Europe and the Americas. Together, we explore what the seaweed industry really looks like on the ground? from low-tech community farming to smart monitoring, emerging markets, regulation, marine spatial planning and climate impact. But one idea keeps coming back throughout our conversation: the next seaweed revolution may not be driven by technology alone. It may depend on our ability to build better value chains, stronger business models and a new generation of “bridge-building entrepreneurs” capable of connecting coastal communities, technology, markets and investment. Thank you for listening to BlueTech Around the World! 🌊 Resources: Seaweed Insights https://seaweedinsights.com/ Global Seaweed New and Emerging Markets Report 2023 — World Bank Grouphttps://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/environment/publication/global-seaweed-new-and-emerging-markets-report-2023 NOWA – Network of Women in Aquaculture https://www.nowaquaculture.org/   Join the conversation: • Follow us on LinkedIn: BlueTech Around The World - The Blue Connection Podcast• Connect with us on Instagram: @bluetechpodcast• Watch our episodes on YouTube: BlueTech Around the World• Visit our Website: bluetech-podcast.com Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review and share your favorite episodes to help us spotlight the technologies, entrepreneurs and ideas transforming the way we interact with the ocean. 🌊 BlueTech Around the World | Ocean Innovation & Maritime Technologies Innovation FOR and BY the Ocean. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Seaweed Revolution: What will it really take to scale?

  2. Mar 27

    Ballast Water Treatment and beyond: How UV Technology is scaling across the Blue Economy

    Ballast water is one of the most overlooked challenges in the maritime industry, yet one of the most impactful for ocean ecosystems. Every year, ships transport billions of tons of water across the globe, carrying microscopic organisms that can disrupt biodiversity, damage local fisheries, and spread invasive species. Since the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention, treating ballast water is no longer optional, it’s mandatory. So how does it actually work? In this episode of BlueTech Around the World, we dive into ballast water treatment technologies, with a focus on UV disinfection systems, now used on the majority of ships worldwide. With Maxime Dedeurwaerder (BIO-UV Group), we explore how these systems work, the real challenges of installation and maintenance, and how the market is evolving beyond compliance. But this conversation goes further. From aquaculture (RAS systems) to floating offshore wind and industrial water treatment, discover how one technology is scaling across the entire blue economy. 👉 A must-listen for anyone interested in: maritime innovation, water treatment, aquaculture, offshore wind, and ocean sustainability. Key question : How can a regulation-driven technology like ballast water treatment evolve into a multi-sector solution across the blue economy? Thank you for listening to BlueTech Around the World! 🌊 💡 Resources and Links: Follow us on LinkedIn: BlueTech Podcast Connect with us on Instagram: @bluetechpodcast Watch our episodes on YouTube: BlueTech Around the World Visit our Website: https://www.bluetech-podcast.com/ Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your favorite episodes to help us spotlight the incredible innovations shaping our oceans. 🌊 Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and cutting-edge blue technologies! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Ballast Water Treatment and beyond: How UV Technology is scaling across the Blue Economy

  3. Jan 26

    From space to sea: How digital technologies are transforming fisheries

    Fisheries are at a turning point.From climate change and biodiversity loss to illegal fishing and growing demands for transparency, the sector is under immense pressure. Yet fisheries are also one of the most data-poor sectors of the ocean economy. In this episode of BlueTech Around the World, we explore how digital technologies, from satellites and connectivity to AI and data platforms, are reshaping fisheries management, from small-scale fishers to national authorities. My guest, Hervé Galabert, Director of Sustainable Fisheries Applications at CLS, takes us on a journey from space to fishing boats, showing how satellite-based Earth observation, vessel tracking, and data integration are becoming essential tools to build more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive fisheries. From making small-scale fishers visible, to fighting illegal fishing, improving safety at sea, reducing ghost gear pollution, and supporting better decision-making, this conversation reveals how technology becomes powerful only when it serves people and ecosystems. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: • What “digitalization of fisheries” really means  and how it differs from digital transformation• How satellites collect and transmit data on vessel activity, ocean conditions and risks• AIS, VMS, SAR: understanding the key tracking technologies used at sea• Why traditional monitoring is no longer enough in a changing ocean• How digital tools help small-scale fishers become visible and included in decision-making• Real-world success stories: safety at sea, offshore wind & fisheries coexistence• How satellite data and AI are changing the fight against IUU fishing• What “dark vessels” are  and how they can be detected• How technology helps track and reduce ghost gear and marine pollution• Who pays for digital fisheries tools and how solutions are made more affordable• The role of open data (Copernicus) in modern fisheries management• What’s next for digital fisheries: AI, IoT, connectivity  and human intelligence• Hervé’s advice for young innovators in fisheries, blue tech and ocean conservation   Key question How can digital technologies, from space-based observation to real-time data, help fisheries remain productive, fair, and sustainable in a rapidly changing ocean? Thank you for listening to BlueTech Around the World! 🌊✨ 💡 Resources and Links: Follow us on LinkedIn: BlueTech Podcast Connect with us on Instagram: @bluetechpodcast Watch our episodes on YouTube: BlueTech Around the World Visit our Website: https://www.bluetech-podcast.com/ Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your favorite episodes to help us spotlight the incredible innovations shaping our oceans. 🌊 Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and cutting-edge blue technologies! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    From space to sea: How digital technologies are transforming fisheries

  4. 12/08/2025

    Saving coral reefs with AI & Sound : The Reef Pulse revolution

    Coral reefs are the rainforests of the sea.They cover less than 0.1% of the ocean surface, yet support up to 30% of all marine life, protect coasts, feed millions of people, and fuel tourism and local economies. Now imagine this: under the pressure of climate change, pollution and human activity, up to 90% of coral reefs could disappear by 2050. In this episode, we explore a different kind of ocean innovation: listening to the reef.My guest, Yann Bayle, PhD in Artificial Intelligence applied to sound analysis and co-founder & CTO of Reef Pulse, is turning coral reefs into data using AI-powered passive acoustic monitoring to understand, protect, and even restore these critical ecosystems. From decoding the “orchestra” of reef life to using underwater speakers to guide coral larvae back to degraded reefs, this conversation is about how sound + science + entrepreneurship can become a powerful tool for regeneration. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: The origin story of Reef Pulse: from Reunion Island to AI for the ocean Why coral is an animal, how bleaching works, and what threatens reefs today The key ecosystem services coral reefs provide to people and coastal communities The limits of traditional monitoring (divers, satellites, eDNA) and how ecoacoustics changes the game How Reef Pulse uses AI to record, clean and analyze underwater soundscapes The difference between healthy vs degraded reef soundscapes What acoustic restoration is and how underwater speakers can help larvae settle faster How Reef Pulse balances impact, business models (B2G/B2B) and low-footprint technology Yann’s advice for young innovators building marine projects with new technologies   Key question: How can we use AI and sound to listen to coral reefs, protect them in real time, and even help bring them back to life—without adding new pressure on the ocean? Connect with our guest:🔗 Reef Pulse : https://reef-pulse.com/en/index.php🔗 Yann Bayle : https://www.linkedin.com/in/yannbayle/ Resources and Links: Follow us on LinkedIn: BlueTech Podcast Connect with us on Instagram: @bluetechpodcast Watch our episodes on YouTube: BlueTech Around the World Visit our Website: https://www.bluetech-podcast.com/ Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your favorite episodes to help us spotlight the incredible innovations shaping our oceans. 🌊 Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and cutting-edge blue technologies! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Saving coral reefs with AI & Sound : The Reef Pulse revolution

  5. 10/23/2025

    Can AI save lives at sea? Born from a real Mayday call.

    A voice crackles over the radio. Panic. A fire onboard. No location. No number of people. Silence.Now imagine if AI could step in, capture the message, fill in the gaps, call for help, save lives. In this episode, we explore how a distress call during a sailing trip became the starting point of a deeptech journey aiming to transform VHF,  the “walkie-talkie of the ocean”,  into a real-time intelligent safety assistant powered by AI. From hackathon to mission-critical deployment with the French Coast Guard (CROSS), discover how maritime safety may be on the verge of a leapfrog moment. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: ·        The origin story: a real Mayday call that sparked an innovation journey ·        Ocean Hackathon → prototype: 48 hours together, pure focus, and nonstop feedback loops ·        Why it was hard at first: Big Tech overlooked maritime, no relevant data to train models ·        Why VHF fails under stress (no replay, accents, missing info) and how AI helps operators capture the essentials ·        From B2C to B2B/B2G: co-developing with CROSS for mission-critical use, on-site immersion in operations ·        The smartphone effect at sea: “rent a boat with an app” → more people, less trained VHF users → too many distress calls ·        The tech, simply: speech-to-text with domain models, call classification, searchable logs, supervisor overview ·        Data, not hype: why general AI fails at sea and why annotated maritime data (from CROSS) wins ·        Dual-use angles: from safety to security, piracy comms, multilingual signals, and situational awareness ·        Data protection done right: on-prem vs EU cloud, GDPR, certifications & sovereign choices ·        Go-to-market reality: competitors, differentiation, and value-based licensing. ·        Founder lessons: team fit, funding via contests, patience, and momentum   Key question:How do you turn noisy VHF distress calls into life-saving decisions without overwhelming operators or compromising data security?Thank you for listening to BlueTech Around the World! 🌊✨ 🔗 LinkedIn: Vaiata Dynamics 🔗 Guest: Édouard Vallet 💡 Resources and Links: Follow us on LinkedIn: BlueTech Podcast Connect with us on Instagram: @bluetechpodcast Watch our episodes on YouTube: BlueTech Around the World Visit our Website: https://www.bluetech-podcast.com/ Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your favorite episodes to help us spotlight the incredible innovations shaping our oceans. 🌊 Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and cutting-edge blue technologies! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Can AI save lives at sea? Born from a real Mayday call.

  6. 09/29/2025

    Beyond digital twins: How shared data is transforming aquaculture with AquaCloud

    Are digital twins enough to revolutionize aquaculture? Not quite. The real power lies in shared ocean data , and Norway’s AquaCloud is proving it. In this episode, we dive into the story behind AquaCloud, the industry-led “love child” of Norwegian aquaculture that is breaking down data silos to unlock collaboration, sustainability, and smarter decision-making. Discover how over 60 data parameters (from fish welfare to oceanographic conditions) are transformed into actionable insights that help fish farmers anticipate sea lice outbreaks, researchers accelerate innovation, and the entire industry move from digitization to true digital transformation. We also explore the challenges of data governance, privacy, and standardization, and look ahead to what’s next: federated AI, remote operations, robotic swarms, and a new mindset for the future of aquaculture. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: Why shared data matters more than digital twins AquaCloud’s journey from idea to startup Governance, anonymization, and GDPR in aquaculture Accelerating research through standardized data How small farms benefit as much as big players The future: AI, robotics, and dynamic offshore farms   Key question:How do you design a neutral, trusted data platform that protects company-sensitive information yet delivers shared value, for farmers, researchers, and the ocean? 🎧 If you’re passionate about blue tech, aquaculture innovation, or ocean AI, hit subscribe and share this episode with someone who should hear it. Connect with our guest:🌐 Website: AquaCloud (aquacloud.ai)🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjorgolfurhavardsson/ Thank you for listening to BlueTech Around the World! 🌊✨ 💡 Resources and Links: Follow us on LinkedIn: BlueTech Podcast Connect with us on Instagram: @bluetechpodcast Watch our episodes on YouTube: BlueTech Around the World Visit our Website: https://www.bluetech-podcast.com/ Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your favorite episodes to help us spotlight the incredible innovations shaping our oceans. 🌊 Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and cutting-edge blue technologies! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Beyond digital twins: How shared data is transforming aquaculture with AquaCloud

  7. 06/25/2025

    Next-gen antifouling solutions: Biopolymers, biomimicry and hybrid coatings

    Can we protect ships, offshore wind, and aquaculture without harming marine ecosystems? In this episode of BlueTech Around the World, we dive into the hidden yet costly challenge of marine biofouling. The build-up of algae, barnacles, and other organisms on underwater surfaces. This natural process drastically increases fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and maintenance costs for the entire maritime industry. Yet, traditional antifouling paints often come with toxic side effects for marine life. So how can we innovate smarter, greener solutions? To unpack this complex topic and share real-world insights, I’m joined by Professor Christine Bressy, a leading scientist in antifouling innovation and head of the MAPIEM laboratory in Toulon, France. With over 28 years of experience bridging chemistry, environmental science, and industrial applications, Christine shares how her team is developing biocide-free coatings, biomimetic surfaces, and integrated cleaning technologies to protect vessels and structures while respecting ocean health. 🔹 In this episode: • What is marine biofouling and why it costs billions every year• The environmental impact of biocidal coatings and global regulations• How antifouling technologies work: biocidal vs. fouling-release paints• Challenges for static infrastructures like offshore wind and aquaculture• Emerging innovations: smart polymers, shark-skin inspired surfaces, robots & real-time monitoring• What’s next: biopolymer-based, biodegradable, silicone-free coatings• Advice for young ocean innovators entering this critical field Key question:How can we balance efficient maritime operations with ocean health, using new antifouling technologies that prevent biofouling without harming marine ecosystems? Thank you for listening to BlueTech Around the World! 🌊✨ 💡 Resources and Links: Follow us on LinkedIn: BlueTech Podcast Connect with us on Instagram: @bluetechpodcast Watch our episodes on YouTube: BlueTech Around the World Visit our Website: https://www.bluetech-podcast.com/ Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your favorite episodes to help us spotlight the incredible innovations shaping our oceans. 🌊 Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and cutting-edge blue technologies! BlueTech Around the World — the Blue Connection Podcast. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    Next-gen antifouling solutions: Biopolymers, biomimicry and hybrid coatings

  8. 05/28/2025

    How to fight underwater noise pollution ? Discover the SubSea Quieter, a blue champion in marine noise mitigation.

    In this episode of BlueTech Around the World, we dive deep into the rising issue of underwater noise pollution, a silent but widespread threat caused by human activities like shipping, port construction, and offshore energy. Beneath the waves, what was once called the “silent world” is now buzzing with noise that disrupts communication, navigation, and survival for marine species. To unpack the challenge and explore cutting-edge solutions, I’m joined by Gwenaël Desse, Chief Business Officer at Greenov, the French startup behind the SubSea Quieter, a patented mitigation system that reduces noise and turbidity during offshore and coastal operations. With a unique path from naval defense to ocean protection, Gwenaël shares how Greenov’s patented technology reduces harmful noise from pile driving, port works, and vessel operations while offering measurable business and environmental benefits.   🔹 In this episode: • Why ocean noise matters  and how it impacts whales, dolphins, fish, and marine ecosystems• How the SubSea Quieter works• Business case: reduced operational costs, emissions, and acoustic risks• Integrating noise mitigation in a broader ecosystem of marine protection• What’s next in innovation: real-time monitoring, deep-water adaptation, and metamaterials [sponsoring] This episode is proudly supported by Team Nice Côte d’Azur, the agency supporting business establishment and growth on the French Riviera. Nice Ocean Business Forum, June 9–11 2025. June 9 – Economic Attractiveness & Investment Day 👉 Register now (free & open to all): business.nicecotedazur.org/nice-ocean-business-forum-us   Connect with our guest: Website: www.greenov.greenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwenael-desse-364b4482/    Resources and Links: Follow us on LinkedIn: BlueTech Podcast Connect with us on Instagram: @bluetechpodcast Watch our episodes on YouTube: BlueTech Around the World Visit our Website: https://www.bluetech-podcast.com/ Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share your favorite episodes to help us spotlight the incredible innovations shaping our oceans. 🌊 Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and cutting-edge blue technologies! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    How to fight underwater noise pollution ? Discover the SubSea Quieter, a blue champion in marine noise mitigation.
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About

Welcome to BlueTech Around the World, the podcast exploring ocean innovation, maritime technologies and the future of the Blue Economy. I'm Marilou Suc, your host, and in each episode, I meet the entrepreneurs, experts and innovators developing technologies and solutions that are transforming the way we interact with the ocean. From fisheries and aquaculture to shipping, marine robotics, ocean monitoring, offshore energy, marine biotechnology and environmental technologies, we explore innovation across the entire Blue Economy, with a focus on innovation FOR and BY the Ocean. Through expert interviews and conversations with BlueTech leaders from around the world, we dive into: • Emerging ocean and maritime technologies. • BlueTech entrepreneurship and innovation. • Business models, market development and scaling. • Real-world applications and industry challenges. • The people and stories behind ocean innovation. Whether you're a BlueTech entrepreneur, investor, researcher, maritime professional, or simply curious about the technologies shaping the future of our ocean, you're in the right place. 🌊 Discover the technologies transforming the way we interact with the ocean, and the people making them happen. Subscribe and join the BlueTech Around the World community. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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