Organised by Barcelona Clúster Nàutic in collaboration with the Port of Barcelona, Àgora Port became a meeting place for discussion, reflection and knowledge-sharing on the key challenges and opportunities facing the nautical industry.
Over the three days of the Barcelona International Boat Show, Àgora Port brought together professionals, companies, institutional representatives and industry experts to discuss the issues that matter most to the nautical industry and collectively reflect on its future.
Organised by Barcelona Clúster Nàutic in collaboration with the Port of Barcelona, this discussion and knowledge-sharing platform hosted a programme of nine sessions and 25 speakers, aiming to encourage dialogue among the different stakeholders in the nautical ecosystem, share experiences and explore new perspectives for the sector’s development.
Throughout the three days, the sessions explored some of the main challenges facing the nautical industry, from attracting and training new professionals to sustainability, competitiveness and the transformation of ports and marinas.
The first day focused on training and employability, examining how to attract talent and connect businesses with younger generations. Discussions also addressed the sector’s major regulatory and economic challenges, sustainability and competitiveness, as well as the role of rowing in promoting health, well-being and community engagement.
The second day focused on the transformation of marinas and ports and their relationship with the city, addressing issues such as facility capacity, sustainability, digitalisation and the coexistence of different port activities. Discussions also explored new nautical consumption models, including chartering, day sailing and boat clubs, alongside the opportunities offered by technology and innovation to make boating more inclusive and accessible.
The third day examined the evolution of nautical services and changing market demands, with discussions on service excellence, artificial intelligence, new propulsion systems and the challenges of refit and repair for vessels up to 25 metres. The programme also highlighted talent, design and technology through a session dedicated to the future of navigation using radio-controlled boats.
Àgora Port provided a platform for sharing different perspectives and experiences, encouraging dialogue between companies, institutions, professionals and other industry stakeholders. The discussions highlighted the importance of working together to address industry changes, drive innovation, attract talent and move towards a more competitive, sustainable and inclusive nautical sector.
For Barcelona Clúster Nàutic, initiatives like this are essential to connect stakeholders across the nautical ecosystem, identify shared challenges and create new opportunities for collaboration that contribute to the industry’s growth and long-term development.
Barcelona Clúster Nàutic would like to thank all the speakers who took part in the sessions for sharing their knowledge, experience and perspectives, and for enriching the discussions with their contributions.
We would also like to thank everyone who attended Àgora Port for their interest and participation, as well as the Port of Barcelona and all the individuals and organisations that helped make these sessions possible.
Thank you all for being part of this space for connection and dialogue. We remain committed to promoting collaboration, knowledge-sharing and the development of a nautical industry that is increasingly connected, innovative and prepared to meet the challenges of the future.