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Marine renewable energy, low-carbon maritime transport, marine bioresource valorisation… the maritime ecosystem is experiencing fresh momentum in Nantes and Saint-Nazaire. The stakes are high, as the maritime transport sector alone accounts for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions and must halve its environmental footprint by 2050. This global ambition is rallying a large number of stakeholders gathered in the Nantes and Saint-Nazaire region.
The challenges of decarbonising maritime transport
Nantes and Saint-Nazaire have established themselves as a strategic hub for decarbonising the maritime economy, particularly through low-carbon transport and the development of marine renewable energy (MRE). With the installation of France’s first offshore wind farm off the coast of Saint-Nazaire, the presence of leading shipyards, and strong expertise in aeronautics, the region brings together internationally renowned academic and industrial players working collaboratively to advance this innovative and sustainable maritime ecosystem.
Here, there’s a genuine appetite for unconventional topics and building things that stand out! In Nantes, we have a culture of large ships and a whole ecosystem dedicated to maritime activities. Every time we meet people, they have a story to tell about the sea.
Neoline
Key figures
4 500
jobs in Nantes métropole
200
companies in Nantes métropole
20
research laboratories
1st
France’s first offshore wind farm
1st
leading French region in maritime employment
The MEET2050 Institute
Located in Nantes, the MEET2050 Institute brings together, in an associative format, all private and public stakeholders in the maritime value chain to accelerate its energy and environmental transition. It pools human and financial resources to deliver projects of common interest, with support from the State and local authorities. The collective challenges are immense, spanning technology, energy, economics, finance, sovereignty, regulations, training, and more.
A world-class, unique environment
Historically rooted in the naval and aeronautical industries, Nantes and Saint-Nazaire are now key players in decarbonising maritime transport. The area offers a unique European ecosystem, combining top-tier infrastructure and cutting-edge research centres dedicated to maritime decarbonisation and marine renewable energy (MRE).
It brings together labs like Ircyyn and Nantes University, as well as major facilities such as the Centrale Nantes testing basin, CETIM, IRT Jules Verne, Technocampus Ocean, IFSTTAR, CSTB, and the Jules Verne Climatic Wind Tunnel.
In Nantes, the French association Wind Ship is accelerating wind-powered maritime ecological transition. Founded in 2023, the Cluster Cargo unites research actors tackling the decarbonisation of maritime transport in the Nantes area. Large-scale events such as Wind for Goods and Seanergy provide platforms for international collaboration.
SEM-REV offshore testing platform
As France’s first offshore testing site, SEM-REV allows marine renewable energy stakeholders to test prototypes in real-world conditions. To meet the decarbonisation challenge, CEA Tech Nantes launched the Sea’Nergy platform— a digital tool measuring the impact of batteries and propulsion systems in marine environments and simulating their use under extreme navigation conditions. This facility also supports the development of the region’s renewable energy sector.
The Eole project
The Eole project aims, by 2030, to develop new industrial-port infrastructure to support MRE growth at the Grand Port of Nantes Saint-Nazaire: a 780-meter quay for assembling floating wind turbines, onshore storage areas, floating storage units, and a service vessel pontoon. In Saint-Nazaire, Eole will help meet ambitious national and European energy transition goals, targeting the construction of 50 offshore wind farms by 2050.
Lhyfe and its offshore renewable hydrogen prototype
Based in Nantes and founded by a former CEA Tech researcher, Lhyfe is pioneering offshore hydrogen production. The company launched Sealhyfe, the world’s first offshore renewable hydrogen production prototype, with 1 MW capacity, connected to a floating wind turbine at the new Saint-Nazaire offshore wind farm.
The AGORA project
AGORA is a shared facility project aiming to create new XXL industrial capacity in marine renewable energy and new ship propulsion systems. Spearheaded by industrialists within the Neopolia group, this project showcases the ecosystem’s dynamism.
The Grand Port of Nantes Saint-Nazaire at the heart of XXL challenges
The Loire Estuaire Decarbonisation programme relies on about twenty action plans designed to transform the Grand Port of Nantes Saint-Nazaire into a major hub for decarbonised energy. New sectors and infrastructure are emerging to support the energy transition, including:
- a multimodal hydrogen hub for producing, importing, and transporting low-carbon hydrogen;
- a multimodal CO₂ hub for capturing, receiving, valorising, and exporting industrial CO₂;
- a natural gas hub for producing and distributing green/low-carbon gas;
- and a dedicated cluster for other decarbonised energies, enabling production and refuelling of biofuels, bio-LNG, and biofuels for maritime transport.
Entrepreneurial innovations for sustainable maritime solutions
Here, everything fosters the emergence of unique projects. World cruise ship leader Chantiers de l’Atlantique will deliver the world’s first cruise ship powered by methanol, followed by the first wind-powered cruise liner by 2026. Alongside these giants, a thriving startup ecosystem is emerging to decarbonise the sector (including Airseas, CWS, D-ICE Engineering, Neoline, Wisamo, and others).
Key sub-sectors:
Wind-powered shipping
Harnessing wind to transport goods and passengers! Nantes and Saint-Nazaire are technological frontrunners with a supportive ecosystem that helps structure the eco-responsible maritime transport sector. New propulsion systems are being invented here, based on cutting-edge innovations combined with centuries-old maritime expertise.
Marine Renewable Energy (MRE)
Since 2022, France’s first offshore wind farm has been operating off the coasts of Saint-Nazaire and Pornichet. This has enabled the development of high-level industrial units and R&D capacities in the Nantes & Saint-Nazaire region, supported by unique facilities across all MRE technologies.
Shipbuilding
Nantes Saint-Nazaire reinforces its international leadership in shipbuilding, rooted in a rich commercial history. The region combines technological innovation, employment, and training, setting the standard for high-demand industrial excellence.
Nautical industry
With a growing interest in sea-related leisure activities, Nantes and Saint-Nazaire are actively supporting the nautical sector and its innovative businesses, responding to new consumption trends.
Microalgae
Spirulina, chlorella, and other microalgae are protein-rich with diverse properties—though still underexplored. Used to boost immunity, treat water, reduce carbon footprints, or feed fish in desert regions, their potential is immense. In Saint-Nazaire, a full ecosystem is being developed around this “green gold,” supporting young innovative businesses.