Fórum Oceano is organising “Blue Ports and Cities: Innovation Hubs for the Blue Economy” on 16 and 17 November 2026 at the Matosinhos Cruise Terminal, marking Portugal’s National Sea Day.

The event aims to establish National Sea Day (16 November) as an occasion for strategic reflection on how ports, coastal cities and blue economy value chains can work together to drive economic development, innovation, skilled employment, environmental sustainability and stronger connections between land, sea and industry.

Over two days, the event will bring together policymakers, port authorities, municipalities, businesses, research centres, startups, investors and maritime ecosystem stakeholders to discuss the role of the various blue economy value chains in the relationship between ports and cities.

The programme will cover topics including port–city cooperation, maritime transport decarbonisation, green corridors, blue tourism, nautical activities, maritime industry, ocean renewable energy, fisheries, aquaculture, blue biotechnology, innovation, financing and entrepreneurship.

More than a conference, the event seeks to position Matosinhos as a focal point for a national blue economy agenda centred on competitiveness, sustainability, innovation and unlocking the economic potential of Portugal’s ocean.