The blue economy is commonly associated with coastlines that face the open sea; however, there are unique geographical environments where the sea intrudes inland, creating particularly sensitive ecosystems governed by the same frameworks as the ocean. One such area is the Limfjord, a body of seawater that connects the North Sea to the Baltic Sea, separating mainland Jutland from the island of Vendsyssel.
In this context, conflicts over maritime use are pronounced. Small-scale fisheries operate alongside sailing activities and energy production. The industrial sector has expanded significantly, leading to the relocation of the Port of Aalborg away from the city center. Another key port in the region is located at the western edge of the fjord in Thyborøn, where investments in green energy production are underway. This has resulted in increased large-scale shipping activity alongside industrial development. Planned projects, including a bridge and tunnel connecting the northern and southern banks, have further divided the community between those concerned about environmental impacts and those advocating for economic growth. The training school aims to equip participants with the skills to analyze governance challenges at sea from an embedded perspective—experiencing interactions and conflicts of interest from the maritime domain rather than a land-based viewpoint. Through engagement with regional stakeholders, participants will use the Limfjord as a case study to enhance their research and refine their methodologies. By bringing together experts from diverse scientific fields, the program fosters interdisciplinary exchange. The school emphasizes hands-on workshops, reflective assignments, and teamwork, strengthening both analytical skills and camaraderie through collaborative sailing tasks.

Summarized program:

Day 1: Mapping the Historical-Geographical Context of the Limfjord (Partnering: Geodatastyrelsen)
Day 2: The Management of the Marine Environment and Natural Resources(Partnering: COASTAl LIFE Limfjordsrådet)
Day 3: The Management of Coastal Areas and Climate Change Adaptation(Partnering: Kyst Direktoratet)
Day 4: Production and Storage of Offshore Energy (Partnering: Thyborøn Havn)
Day 5: Navigation – Control of Shipping Activities and Port Industrial Development (Partnering: Aalborg Havn)

Prerequisites

Who should apply

• Students or researchers from all academic fields focusing on a sector of the blue economy (for example, marine energy, ports, shipping, coastal protection, and seafood production)
• Early Career Researchers (ECRs), Early Career Ocean Professional (ECOP), PhD candidates, and postgraduate students
• Researchers with an interest in Blue Governance and sustainability
• You must be a member of the COST Action CA22122: Rethink Blue
If you are not a member yet, you must apply for membership by 15 March. To become a member, visit this webpage https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA22122/

Application procedure

The Application Deadline: 15 of March 2025
Notification of Acceptance: 5 of April 2025

Submit your application via this Google Form Link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQvN8ekoaEk_Eubkeb-Mq5JA9iHzOK4sFtunJ_v3hAKu4NnA/viewform?usp=dialog

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:
• Relevance to the Training School’s goals.
• Relevance of the applicant's research interest
• Potential contribution to the COST Action’s objectives.
• Demonstrated interest in related topics.
• Active participation in RethinkBlue COST Action CA22122 activities

Grant opportunities

Selected participants may receive funding to cover travel and daily allowance to cover e.g. accommodation, local travel and subsistence, as per COST guidelines.
Please note that the school takes place on board a ship and includes both board and accommodation. This means that your daily allowance will be partly spent on a fee for staying on the ship and food on board.
1. Those course participants who have been selected receive a grant from COST, which includes a daily allowance (and flights).
2. The daily allowance is paid to participants regardless of any declared expenses (so no need to submit receipts).
3. The value of the daily allowance is such that it can help reimburse costs for the full stay (LOA membership fee, accommodation on board the ship, daily meals, local transportation).
4. To receiving the grant from COST, participants must sign a presence sheet every day.
5. Payment to LOA is made in advance, upon confirmation of acceptance to the course and invitation from COST to the platform.
6. Should selected participants fail to comply with the requirement in point 4, they shall not be reimbursed from any costs already incurred.

Learning outcomes

Participants will:
• Gain practical understanding of spatial conflicts between industries and private sea users
• Conduct observations and fieldwork from the ship
• Analyze Blue Economy strategies, focusing on natural resource management, coastal protection and producing energy at sea.
• Develop competencies in mapping and navigation.