Abstract
Approach
An analysis of similar initiatives from around the world has been conducted to establish a governance structure for a Maripark in the Dutch North Sea. The research process involved detailed review of scientific literature and reports for approximately 50 dual and MU projects. The selected projects are at various stages of development, ranging from research to commercialization. A shortlist of 9 projects was then created, prioritizing those that are more mature in terms of commercialization and, ideally, support both food and energy production. Interviews were conducted with project stakeholders, like business owners and project managers.
Findings
The outcome shows that, despite widespread efforts, there is a limited number of successful dual and MU projects, with this type of application being poorly executed globally and little evidence of commercial operation. In the North Sea, discussions on dual-use often focus on combining renewable energy with aquaculture. However, most of these projects have yet to advance beyond the research or pilot stage. The following pages detail lessons learned and provides an in depth analysis of case studies.
Key Takeaways
Multi-use projects offer a unique opportunity for industries to benefit from synergies, including cost savings from shared resources and infrastructure. However, realizing these benefits will require strong collaboration and trust across various industries. Managed coordination and governance will be critical to facilitate this sharing of resources. The research highlights that an effectively governed Maripark can serve as an ideal framework for the optimized use of ocean space. According to our research, no similar concept has been proposed elsewhere.