Ireland proud to host European Maritime Day 2025 in Cork

The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, together with Cork City Council and the European Commission, is proud to host the prestigious European Maritime Day (EMD) 2025 in Cork on 21-23 May. This annual EU event brings Europe's maritime community together to network, discuss and outline joint action on maritime affairs and sustainable blue economy initiatives.
 
As an island nation with one of the largest sea areas in Europe, Ireland's economy, culture and society is inextricably linked to the sea. Cork, with its rich maritime heritage and status as home to Ireland's naval base, Hawlbowline; the National Maritime College; and the world-renowned Research Ireland Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine, provides an ideal setting for this important European gathering.
 
The Taoiseach welcomed the gathering of European maritime leaders to Cork, saying:
 
“It's an honour to welcome our distinguished European guests to Ireland, and especially to my hometown of Cork. For over 200 years, Cork City has been shaped by its deep maritime heritage, dating back to 1814 when the Cork Harbour Commissioners held their first meeting.
 
“As an island nation, our relationship with the sea isn't just part of our geography – it’s woven into the very fabric of our identity, our economy, and our future. The waters surrounding us have sustained our people through generations, connected us to the wider world, and today offer unprecedented opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation. The Government is determined to ensure our maritime traditions adapt and grow while achieving our challenging climate targets, utilising our natural resources to secure an environmentally-friendly, clean-energy future for our citizens.”
 
Minister for the Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien TD, said:
 
“Ireland’s rich maritime heritage, dynamic blue economy and strong commitment to sustainable ocean governance underpins our leadership in looking towards the ocean. Though a small island nation, we are a large ocean state with some of the richest and most diverse seas all around us. Ireland plays a pivotal role in shaping maritime policy and advancing marine innovation, research, and environmental stewardship.
 
“Hosting European Maritime Day 2025 in Cork provides a fantastic platform to showcase Ireland’s leadership across many sectors – offshore renewable energy, marine spatial planning, marine biodiversity protection, and coastal community development, while fostering collaboration among likeminded European Member States, the European Commission and other maritime stakeholders.
 
“Earlier this month, I was pleased to announce that work has commenced on our new National Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) for offshore renewable energy. With a maritime area seven times the size of our land area, this represents a crucial step in harnessing one of Ireland’s greatest natural resources and achieving our challenging climate targets. EMD 2025 allows us to spotlight innovative solutions such as the national DMAP, promote our coastal communities, and advance our shared European goals for a healthy, secure and climate-resilient maritime space.”
 
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Timmy Dooley TD, noted:
 
“EMD 2025 comes at an exciting time for Ireland’s marine sector. With our recent developments in marine governance, the establishment of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA), and our ambitious offshore renewable energy targets, we are demonstrating our commitment to setting the highest standards for marine governance. This event provides a valuable platform to engage with European partners, share expertise, and collaborate on solutions to our shared maritime challenges.”
 
The three-day event will feature 24 workshop sessions under six key themes: Coastal Communities, Maritime Security and Surveillance, Blue Energy, Enablers, Maritime Cooperation, and Food Security. Over 1,000 delegates are expected to attend, including EU Commissioner for Fisheries, Costas Kadis; MEPs; policy makers; maritime stakeholders; NGOs; and academics.
 
This prestigious gathering further underscores Ireland’s leadership in maritime affairs ahead of hosting on the EU Presidency in the second  half of 2026.
 
A free public event – European Maritime Days To Play – will take place on Friday and Saturday, 23 and 24 May, featuring boat tours, seafood demonstrations, science exhibitions, and family entertainment along Cork’s harbour.
 
For further information on European Maritime Day, visit the European Commission’s website here.