The project was awarded at the European Ocean Days event, which took place in Brussels between March 3 and 7.
The MAELSTROM project was recently awarded the Blue Rivers & Lakes prize in the Innovation category during the European Ocean Days event. This marks the project’s third international recognition, following the Atlantic Project Award (Healthy Oceans and Resilient Coasts 2023–2024) and the European Robotics Award (Sustainability Leadership Recognition in Robotics 2024).
The award, established by BlueMissionMed in collaboration with the European Commission, honors initiatives that protect small and medium-sized river basins, aligning with the European Union’s mission to restore the Ocean and waters.
The distinction was given for the work carried out in implementing the Bubble Barrier on the Ave River in Vila do Conde. This project involved the collaboration of various Portuguese authorities and partners, including CIIMAR, The Great Bubble Barrier, and the University of Malta.
The Vila do Conde City Council, which co-designed and co-financed the technology, also played a key role in its implementation, with support from other national and regional entities such as Docapesca, Portos e Lotas S.A., the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), the Vila do Conde Port Authority, LIPOR, and the CMIA Vila do Conde.
