- The Killybegs Marine Cluster in collaboration with DAFM, Sinbad Marine Services, MMG Ocean facilitated both ‘Wet’ & ‘Dry’ Testing in Killybegs Port for a collaborative drilling technology for Subsea Micropiles and Mincon. Other interested stakeholders in this novel technology visited Killybegs port to see this testing and included Flotation Energy and Copenhagen Offshore Partners
The Killybegs Marine Cluster has played a key role in fostering innovation by hosting and facilitating the development of novel Subsea Micropiles technology in collaboration with its partner, MINCON. This cutting-edge anchoring solution offers significant advantages for offshore renewable energy, namely floating (FOW) technologies, and marine infrastructure by providing a more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional anchoring methods. By supporting this innovation, the Killybegs Marine Cluster is enhancing Ireland’s position as a leader in marine engineering while strengthening industry partnerships that drive technological advancements and global competitiveness in the blue economy.
Killybegs is rapidly gaining recognition for its advanced marine engineering capabilities, evolving beyond its traditional commercial fishing industry. The Killybegs Marine Cluster is playing a crucial role in this transition, supporting local enterprises in adapting their engineering expertise to meet the demands of emerging sectors such as offshore wind and aquaculture. By leveraging decades of experience in vessel maintenance, fabrication, and marine logistics, Killybegs is positioning itself as a hub for innovation in sustainable ocean industries. This shift not only strengthens the local economy but also enhances Ireland’s role in the global blue economy, fostering growth, job creation, and technological advancements in renewable energy and sustainable seafood production.
Since the early Spring of 2024, we have based our subsea drilling equipment and operations team at Killybegs Harbour, to support testing activities as well significant upgrades to our subsea drilling system which are ongoing. I am very pleased to acknowledge the excellent support and outstanding capabilities we have found among companies within the Killybegs Marine Cluster. In support of the vast global market for offshore construction, we see an attractive opportunity to build a business in Killybegs which is focused on production of specialist subsea drilling equipment. The skills and experience supporting the N. Atlantic fishing fleet are directly transferable to building our tools, and we would welcome the opportunity to plan a collaborative approach to developing this type of activity in the near term. (Derek Robertson, CEO, Subsea Micropiles)
The Killybegs Marine Cluster recently hosted and facilitated XOcean, an Irish marine technology company who specialise in marine data collection using autonomous vessels. As part of this collaboration, the cluster supported the development and testing of a new Launch and Recovery System (LARS), leveraging Killybegs extensive marine engineering expertise.
This initiative, carried out in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, enabled real-world testing within the port, reinforcing Killybegs role as a hub for maritime innovation. By fostering advancements in autonomous vessel technology and marine data solutions, the cluster is strengthening industry capabilities and positioning the region at the forefront of emerging blue economy opportunities.
XOCEAN provides turnkey data solutions for globally recognised companies, utilizing uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) to conduct seabed mapping and environmental monitoring in a safe, cost-effective, and carbon-neutral manner. Through its collaboration with the Killybegs Marine Cluster, XOCEAN has established strong working relationships with several cluster members, benefiting from their marine engineering expertise. The cluster’s members play a key role in co-creating innovative solutions to enhance the deployment and recovery of XOCEANs vessels, ensuring efficient operations in global markets. This partnership not only strengthens Killybegs position in the blue economy but also supports the advancement of sustainable and autonomous marine technologies.
- The Killybegs Marine Cluster visited the Icelandic Ocean Cluster between the 11th and 13th of March
The Killybegs Marine Cluster visited the Icelandic Ocean Clusterand was hosted by Alexandra Leeper PhD (CEO) and Founder Thor Sigfusson PhD. In March 2024, the Killybegs Marine Cluster visited the Icelandic Ocean Cluster in Reykjavik to strengthen cluster-to-cluster relationships and explore collaborative opportunities, particularly in the area of fish utilisation.
The Icelandic Ocean Cluster is renowned for its innovative 100% Fish vision, which maximizes seafood value beyond human consumption by developing high-value products for pet food, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. Notable innovations include the extraction of collagen and the use of cod fish skins for medical applications such as skin grafts. By fostering knowledge-sharing and innovation between the two clusters, Killybegs aims to enhance sustainable seafood utilisation, drive new product development, and elevate Irelands role in the global blue economy.
Although the fisheries and political landscapes of Ireland and Iceland differ, the Killybegs Marine Cluster recognizes the valuable lessons that can be learned from the impact a proactive cluster can have on its ecosystem. During the visit to Reykjavik, the cluster engaged with several Blue Economy companies affiliated with the Icelandic Ocean Cluster, gaining insights into how the cluster has successfully supported new business development, research-driven innovation, sustainability initiatives, and international expansion. A key highlight was the visit to the Icelandic Ocean Clusters Innovation House, located in Reykjavik Port, which serves as a hub for marine sector collaboration and enterprise growth. This visit reinforced the synergies between Killybegs and Iceland and aligned with the ambitions of Killybegs Marine Cluster and the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) to establish an Ocean Innovation Centre in Ireland positioned within ATU Killybegs campus. This initiative aims to drive cutting-edge marine innovation, strengthen industry partnerships, and enhance Irelands leadership in the Blue Economy. During the visit, the Killybegs Marine Cluster also engaged in discussions with Alexandra Leeper on key governance matters, cluster membership structures, and onboarding processes. These conversations provided valuable insights into best practices for managing and expanding a marine cluster, ensuring effective engagement with industry stakeholders, and fostering a collaborative ecosystem. Learning from the Icelandic Ocean Clusters experience, Killybegs aims to refine its governance model and enhance its membership strategy to drive greater participation, innovation, and long-term sustainability within the cluster.
Over recent years, the Killybegs Marine Cluster has fostered a strong relationship with the Icelandic Ocean Cluster, particularly with its CEO, Alexandra Leeper and Founder Thor Sigfusson PhD. This collaboration has created valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and innovation in the Blue Economy. Additionally, there are growing synergies with the Danish Ocean Cluster, which is inspired by and cooperates with the Iceland Ocean Cluster. The Killybegs Marine Cluster is ambitious about expanding its global collaborations with like-minded clusters that share a common vision for marine sustainability, innovation, and economic growth. Strengthening these international partnerships will enhance the clusters ability to drive research, technology development, and commercial opportunities on a global scale.