The Port Innovators Network (PIN) network expands in the United States. Specifically, in New England, state of Massachusetts, with the incorporation of the New Bedford Ocean Cluster (NBOC).
The New Bedford Ocean Cluster is a non-profit maritime sector association launched in 2021 that supports the development of the ocean economy of the port of New Bedford and the surrounding region in four industrial pillars: aquaculture, commercial fishing and processing, offshore renewable energy, and marine technology.
With the new incorporation, PIN members benefit from NBOC’s expertise in fostering industrial cooperation, particularly between sectors like commercial fishing and emerging sectors like offshore energy. Through its presence in the PIN network, NBOC establishes a closer connection with ports around the world and the opportunity to participate in collaborative projects that drive innovation and economic growth in the port maritime sector.
Antonio Torregrosa, general director of the Fundación Valenciaport, explains that “from the Fundación Valenciaport we extend the warmest welcome to the New Bedford Ocean Cluster as a new member of PIN. For Opentop, a founding member of PIN, it is a great satisfaction to see the network grow to reach 10 members today.”
“What is truly valuable is the diversity this network represents: ports from different geographies, with different profiles and specializations, but all united by the same conviction: open innovation is a fundamental tool for building the port of the future. The incorporation of the New Bedford Ocean Cluster, with its experience in the convergence between traditional and emerging sectors, further enriches this international port collaboration network,” adds Torregrosa.
Jennifer Downing, executive director of the New Bedford Ocean Cluster NBOC, points out that “we are delighted to be part of PIN. The port of New Bedford is the highest-grossing commercial fishing port in the United States and a prominent hub for offshore wind energy development. This success has positioned the port as a leader in other marine technologies as well. We look forward to sharing best practices and lessons learned in New Bedford with the member ports of PIN.”
