Den Haag Invests €100,000 in Maritime Innovation
Den Haag, Thursday, 6 November 2025.
The municipality of Den Haag dedicates €100,000 to boost maritime innovation, supporting SMEs in developing sustainable technologies at Scheveningen harbor and the North Sea.
Empowering Local Maritime Entrepreneurs
The city of Den Haag has taken a significant step forward in supporting maritime innovation by setting aside €100,000 for local entrepreneurs. This initiative primarily targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are working on developing new technologies for the blue economy. The fund is designed to help these businesses test, improve, and demonstrate their maritime and offshore technologies, thereby fostering a sustainable maritime sector in the region [1].
Focus on Scheveningen Harbor and North Sea
The funding initiative is closely linked with the Scheveningen harbor and a unique test site in the North Sea, referred to as the Proeftuin op de Noordzee. This site provides a real-world environment where companies can trial their innovations under actual maritime conditions. The focus on these areas underscores Den Haag’s commitment to sustainable practices and addressing environmental challenges in the maritime sector [1].
Supporting the Blue Economy
The subsidy scheme is structured to cover up to 50% of project costs, with a maximum of €50,000 per project. This support is aimed at projects that are either in the testing or demonstration phase and are contributing to the maritime ecosystem’s strengthening. The total allocation for 2025 is €100,000, highlighting the city’s dedication to driving innovation within the blue economy [1].
Encouraging Sustainable Maritime Practices
Den Haag’s initiative aligns with broader ambitions outlined in the Havenvisie Scheveningen, a vision presented in July 2025, focusing on creating a future-proof harbor that balances fishing, innovation, and sustainability. By encouraging innovations in offshore energy, sustainable food production from the sea, and underwater infrastructure protection, the municipality seeks to address societal challenges such as climate change and the energy transition [1].