Image credit: oceanecostructures.com

The health of marine ecosystems is increasingly threatened by rapid coastal development, intensive maritime activities, and infrastructure expansion. Ports, marinas, and offshore facilities have traditionally been constructed without ecological considerations, resulting in the loss of natural habitats and biodiversity. According to multiple marine ecology studies, more than 50% of coastal habitats globally are under pressure due to anthropogenic activity. To address this, Ocean Ecostructures develops pioneering eco-engineering solutions that transform marine infrastructure into thriving ecosystems. The company focuses on creating “Ocean regeneration” through bio-enhancing technologies that enable coastal infrastructure to serve as artificial reefs and biodiversity hotspots.

Founded by Ignasi Ferrer, Mireia de Mas, and Anna Lloveras, Ocean Ecostructures has gained remarkable recognition for its pioneering work in marine biodiversity restoration and sustainable ocean innovation. Beyond securing 3rd Place at the Global Talent Award 2023 and winning the Sun & Blue 2024 Award, the company has been acknowledged through a series of prestigious international programs and competitions. Ocean Ecostructures was selected among the top 10 startups worldwide for the ScaleX Program by KAUST in Saudi Arabia, participated in the Fundación Repsol acceleration program, and won the Innovation category at the Premios ADigital 2024. The company also stood out as a finalist at Ocean Exchange, and was selected by the Norrsken Foundation and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center’s Milestone Makers program, both recognizing startups advancing global sustainability goals. Additional honors include the Iberdrola Convive Award 2024, Expansión Award 2024 Emerging Technology, Catalunya Impacta Industry Award 2024, and the Catalonia Exponential Leader Award 2024. Furthermore, Ocean Ecostructures showcased its cutting-edge marine technology at 4YFN during Mobile World Congress 2024, reaffirming its position as a leader in ocean sustainability and innovation.

Ocean Ecostructures uses a multi-technological, nature-based approach to regenerate marine biodiversity by converting existing maritime infrastructure into “nature-positive” habitats. One of the core elements is the Life Boosting Unit (LBU®), a biomimetic micro-reef structure designed to replicate the functioning of natural reefs. These units incorporate a natural substrate (Lifesk­­in®) which maximises the attachment and growth of marine flora and fauna, a multi-layer design that creates a “nursery” effect (facilitating the growth of fish and crustaceans) and a Life Boosting Mix® micro-fauna attraction system to accelerate colonisation of the structure. Installation is engineered so the LBUs can be fixed to existing surfaces (such as port walls, offshore platforms, or other marine infrastructure) without disrupting operations. 

Beyond physical reef structures, Ocean Ecostructures integrates advanced monitoring and data analysis systems. Underwater drones (or other robotic systems) are used to track biodiversity evolution around the LBUs; data collected through these systems (biomass growth, species diversity, CO₂ sequestration, water-quality parameters) are processed via proprietary algorithms and artificial intelligence. 

The data feeds into a digital platform (iOceans) plus a mobile app that allows geolocation and visualisation of the LBUs, real-time monitoring of their impact, historical trends and predictive models. This enables clients to demonstrate tangible environmental impact and integrate this into ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) reporting frameworks. 

This technology is urgently needed in maritime applications because major infrastructure such as ports, breakwaters, offshore energy platforms, and underwater pipelines significantly alter marine environments. By integrating nature-based solutions into engineered structures, Ocean Ecostructures helps balance maritime development with ecological preservation. The company’s vision aligns with global efforts to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: “Life Below Water.” Marta Pascual and Sergio García co-founded Ocean Ecostructures with a shared background in marine science and environmental engineering. Their expertise lies in integrating ecological principles into built environments, ensuring that maritime activities can coexist with marine biodiversity. The company quickly gained attention for its innovative approach to ecological restoration.

On the back of the attention it has garnered, Ocean Ecostructures has attracted a strong base of impact-oriented investors committed to scaling its mission of marine ecosystem regeneration. Alongside earlier investors such as Ship2B Ventures, Inclimo Climate Tech and BStartup (Banco Sabadell) (which supported the company’s €1.6 million funding round in late 2023), the company has also been added to Faber’s portfolio, signalling that Faber’s deep-tech, blue economy-focused fund (the Faber Blue Pioneers I) has made an investment in Ocean Ecostructures. This addition aligns with Faber’s strategic focus on early-stage technology companies helps position Ocean Ecostructures for accelerated growth, international expansion and deeper impact in the blue economy sector.

Image credit: piernext.portdebarcelona.cat

A notable case study comes from the Port of Barcelona, where Ocean Ecostructures deployed its eco-modules on underwater seawalls and docks. Within one year, marine biodiversity in the area increased by over 40%, with measurable improvements in water clarity and oxygenation. Similar deployments have been tested in French and Portuguese marinas, proving effective in integrating ecological functions with operational port activities. Another application involves collaboration with offshore wind developers to install eco-modules around turbine foundations. This not only mitigates environmental impacts but also transforms industrial sites into marine biodiversity hubs. For aquaculture companies, these eco-structures act as natural biofilters, improving fish health and water quality.

Ocean Ecostructures has established a strong network of strategic, scientific, and institutional partners that support its mission to regenerate marine ecosystems at scale. Among its key collaborators are the Port of Barcelona and BlueTechPort, where Ocean Ecostructures became the first company to operate within the port’s innovation hub dedicated to blue economy technologies. The company also works closely with Fundación Repsol, which has supported its growth through sustainability-driven acceleration programs, and Norrsken Foundation, one of Europe’s leading impact-driven accelerators. In addition, Ocean Ecostructures is part of the BlueInvest initiative of the European Union, benefiting from mentorship and readiness support aimed at scaling blue-economy innovations. Together, these partnerships provide scientific validation, financial backing, and strategic platforms that are allowing Ocean Ecostructures to expand globally while enhancing its capacity to restore biodiversity across marine infrastructures.

References

• Ocean Ecostructures. (2025). Official website. Retrieved from https://oceanecostructures.com
• Pascual, M., & García, S. (2024). “Eco-engineering infrastructure for marine biodiversity restoration.” Marine Ecology Journal, 45(2), 210–225.
• Port de Barcelona. (2023). Biodiversity Regeneration Pilot Project Report. Barcelona: Port Authority Publications.
• European Commission. (2024). “Nature-Based Solutions for Blue Economy.” EU Blue Innovation Report 2024. Brussels.
• Blue Economy Ventures. (2023). “Investment trends in ocean regeneration technologies.” Impact Investing Review, 12(3), 55–67.
• Enagás. (2024). Partnership with Ocean Ecostructures for offshore biodiversity enhancement. Retrieved from https://www.enagas.es 
• Acciona. (2024). Sustainable infrastructure and marine ecosystem restoration. Retrieved from https://www.acciona.com