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Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Updated Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 00:02:42

Internationalization and the Blue Economy

Canary Islands companies seek strategic alliances at Boot Düsseldorf, Europe's largest nautical platform

Newsroom Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Reading time:

A delegation of eleven companies, supported by Proexca and the Maritime Cluster, is landing in Germany to boost the export of nautical services and consolidate a sector that already contributes 7,18% of the regional GDP.

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Eleven companies Canarias, together with Proexca and the Clúster Marítimo de CanariasThey participate until January 25th in Boot Düsseldorf (Germany). They seek to internationalize the regional blue economy, attract B2B business and explore sustainable trends before more than 200.000 visitors from 120 countries and 1.500 exhibitors.

 

The German event, now in its 57th edition, brings together the entire value chain of the global maritime industry. In this setting, the Canary Islands delegation has a dual objective: to showcase the technical capabilities of its SMEs and to learn about the innovations that will shape the future of the sector, particularly in the areas of equipment, technology, and nautical tourism.

 

Economic impact of the maritime sector in the archipelago

 

Participation in this event is part of an economic consolidation strategy. Canarias has integrated the sea into its production model under the umbrella of Blue EconomyMoving beyond a purely tourist-oriented approach to encompass ship repair and high value-added services, this macro-sector currently represents 7,18% of the region's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

 

The archipelago's ports act as main drivers, generating a direct contribution of over 1.100 billion euros, a figure that places this activity above maritime transport in terms of Gross Value Added (GVA).

 

Economic Indicator Recorded Data
Contribution to Regional GDP 7,18%
Estimated Production Value 3.500 millones de euros
Direct contribution from Ports 1.100 millones de euros

 

Internationalization strategy and institutional support

 

The institutional delegation is headed by Pedro Monzón, Director of Foreign Promotion of Proexca, and Elba Bueno, manager of Clúster Marítimo de CanariasBoth entities collaborate to facilitate access to global markets for a business network composed mainly of micro-enterprises, for whom individual attendance at trade fairs of this magnitude would be unfeasible.

 

As explained Elba Bueno: “This mission has fundamental strategic importance for the nautical sector of Canarias, as it allows our companies to participate firsthand in the most important nautical event in Europa and to position itself in a highly competitive international environment. The Canary Islands' nautical sector has enormous growth potential, but it is mostly made up of micro-enterprises and self-employed professionals, for whom access to these types of international trade fairs would be very difficult without institutional support.”.

 

Targets in the German market

 

The presence in Düsseldorf, a city that, despite not having a coastline, functions as a logistics epicenter thanks to the river RinIt focuses on three axes:

  • Strategic positioning: To position Canary Island companies in the hub of European knowledge.
  • B2B Alliances: Facilitate commercial agreements with international shipyards and distributors.
  • Sustainability: Explore advances in decarbonization of maritime transport and green port infrastructure (electricity supply to ships and circular waste management).

 

Participating Canary Islands companies

The eleven companies that represent the supply of nautical services and products in the islands Alemania are:

  • Innovamarina
  • Zeus Dive Center
  • Paracraft Lanzarote, S. L.
  • Aquadivingadventures
  • B Y S Carga General, S. L.
  • Rolnautic
  • Rolnautic Varadero
  • Alisios Sailing Center
  • Taurito Water Sport
  • Gara Project Prime S. L.
  • Náutica Motor

 

European funding and development projects

 

Foreign action is framed within structural programs financed by the Unión EuropeaThe project stands out A3M Atlantic, whose objective is to strengthen the sustainable growth of SMEs in the Blue Economy in the Mid-Atlantic.

 

Project A3M Atlantic
Dress 1/MAC/1/1.3/0051
Program Interreg MAC 2021-2027 (85% ERDF co-financing)
Duration 48 months (2024-2028)
Geographical Scope Macaronesia (Canarias, Madeira, Azores) and West Africa (Cabo Verde, Ghana, Costa de Marfil)

 

Additionally, Proexca promotes new nautical products through TWINNEDbySTARS, financed by the fund FEMPAfocused on sustainable marine ecotourism that integrates science and technology.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the mission in Boot Düsseldorf

Why is the Boot Düsseldorf trade fair relevant for the Canary Islands?
It is the most important nautical event in EuropaWith 200.000 visitors and 1.500 exhibitors, it allows Canary Islands SMEs to access global markets, establish B2B alliances, and attract luxury nautical tourism, vital to the regional internationalization strategy.

What is the role of the Blue Economy in the Canary Islands?
It contributes 7,18% to the regional GDP, equivalent to approximately €3.500 billion in production. Ports are the most important subsector, generating €1.100 billion directly, surpassing maritime transport in added value.

What support do companies receive to attend?
Participation is coordinated by Proexca and the Clúster Marítimo de Canarias under European projects such as the A3M Atlantic (Interreg MAC), which co-finances 85% with funds FEDER to promote the competitiveness of SMEs in the Macaronesia and West Africa.

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