Aveiro, Portugal, March 21, 2025 (Lusa) - The port of Aveiro in northern Portugal received a Norwegian delegation to analyse port modernisation within the scope of the blue economy, the port administration said on Friday.

The ‘Norwegian Delegation Visit to Portugal Port Modernisation’ mission took place on Wednesday and brought together 35 delegates from Portugal and Norway.

It was an initiative promoted by the Directorate-General for Maritime Policy, as part of the European Economic Area Grants (EEA) Blue Growth Programme, with the collaboration of the National Management Unit of the EEA Grants, the Norwegian Embassy in Portugal and Innovation Norway.

According to a press release from the port administration, the event addressed issues related to innovation in the maritime sector, "promoting the exchange of ideas, the sharing of good practices and the identification of new opportunities for co-operation between the two countries".

The programme also included visits to the facilities of PRIO Energy and CS Wind PT, companies located in the Port of Aveiro's area of jurisdiction.

"This event reinforces the Port of Aveiro's commitment to boosting strategic partnerships and contributing to the sustainable development of the Blue Economy, promoting innovation and international cooperation as essential pillars for a more sustainable future," the note emphasises.

Through the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement, signed in Porto in May 1992, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein established a multi-annual Financial Mechanism, known as EEA Grants.

It is through this that Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway financially support the member states of the European Union with the greatest deviations from the European average in GDP per capita, which includes Portugal.

MSO/AYLS // AYLS

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