Marine Institute showcases Irish Marine Science and Leadership at European Maritime Day 2025
Marine Institute connects European Marine Leaders aboard RV Tom Crean for European Maritime Day 2025
The Marine Institute proudly provided a strong Irish presence at European Maritime Day (EMD) 2025, which took place on the 22nd and 23rd of May in Cork City, bringing together ocean leaders and stakeholders from across Europe.
As part of its EMD engagement, the Marine Institute hosted a high-level networking event aboard Ireland’s newest national research vessel, the RV Tom Crean, on Friday morning, 23rd May. Attendees included the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, and Minister of State Timmy Dooley, as well as senior policymakers, marine scientists, and stakeholders. The event provided an opportunity to discuss shared marine challenges and the importance of international collaboration in advancing sustainable ocean governance.
Welcoming guests aboard, Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, highlighted Ireland’s influential role in European marine science: "The Marine Institute plays a vital role in Europe’s marine science landscape – from leading international research partnerships and EU-funded programmes to shaping marine policy and innovation. This event is a powerful reminder of the value of collaboration and the impact that Ireland’s marine research community continues to make at a European level."
Timmy Dooley, Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine emphasised the significance of Ireland’s marine
assets: "Today’s gathering aboard the RV Tom Crean highlights Ireland’s commitment to sustainable ocean management and international collaboration. The vessel is a symbol of our Government’s investment in marine research and a testament to our dedication to addressing critical challenges in sustainable fisheries management, climate change and energy security."
European Commissioner Costas Kadis commended the Marine Institute’s alignment with EU marine research priorities: "The RV Tom Crean and the Marine Institute’s international cooperation initiatives exemplify how Ireland is leading by example in marine research. The EU is proud to support these impactful projects that advance collective knowledge and inform sustainable policy decisions across Europe’s sea basins and beyond. We look forward to working with the Marine Institute to realise the full ambition of the Ocean Pact for Europe."
European Maritime Day 2025 brought together a wide range of voices from business, government, academia and civil society under the theme “Investing in a Sustainable Blue Economy.” The Marine Institute’s participation reflected Ireland’s continued commitment to supporting European cooperation, knowledge sharing and innovation for the benefit of ocean and coastal communities. In support of this, the Institute also plays a leading role in prominent European networks, including JPI Oceans, the European Marine Board, and the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES). These connections position Ireland as a key contributor to the EU’s marine research and policy agenda.
Throughout European Maritime Day, the Marine Institute’s representatives engaged with stakeholders across various areas, including sustainable fisheries, climate change, ocean observation programmes, marine data services and international research cooperation. The Institute’s exhibition stands at EMD 2025 showcased recent collaborative research projects including the Aquarius, Marine Beacon and OKEANO projects, which are led by the Institute, and which focus on shared access to marine infrastructures, sustainable fisheries, and transnational research. The RV Tom Crean, operating over 300 days a year, performs a crucial role in these projects, conducting vital research in Irish and international waters.
In addition, as part of the broader EMD programme, the Marine Institute hosted the ‘Wild Atlantic’ Expo on Cork’s quayside, where the public explored Ireland’s marine biodiversity and the Institute’s science and services that support sustainable marine resource management and policy development. The RV Tom Crean was open to visitors, offering the public and event delegates a rare opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art vessel and learn more about its role in advancing ocean research.
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For more information, please contact:
Sinéad Coyne, e. sinead.coyne@marine.ie m. +353 (0)87 947 7090
Kathleen Sweeney, e. Kathleen.Sweeney@marine.ie m. +353 (0)87 094 5754
Communications Office, Marine Institute communications@marine.ie t. +353 (0)91 387 200
About the Marine Institute
The Marine Institute is Ireland’s scientific agency responsible for supporting the sustainable development of the State’s maritime area and resources. The Institute conducts applied research and provides scientific knowledge, advice and services to government, industry and other stakeholders and users. www.marine.ie