I3FLOAT Regional Workshop in Varna - Floating Offshore Wind Energy and I3FLOAT Innovation Roadmap

On 26/02/2026, Marine Cluster Bulgaria will host the first I3FLOAT Workshop in Varna, Bulgaria, bringing together representatives from industry, research, public institutions and innovation ecosystems to support the development of floating offshore wind in Bulgaria and the wider Black Sea region.

The event is organised within the framework of I3FLOAT - a European initiative co-funded by the EU’s Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument, involving 24 partners from eight countries. The project aims to accelerate innovation uptake in floating offshore wind technologies, a key solution for harnessing wind energy in deep-water areas and advancing Europe’s clean energy transition.

Focus of the Workshop

The workshop will introduce the objectives, regional scope and funding opportunities of I3FLOAT, including cascade funding for small and medium-sized enterprises. Participants will also gain insights into:

• European best practices in floating wind industrial development
• The strategic framework and potential for offshore wind in the Black Sea
• Technical and environmental aspects of deploying floating wind turbines

The central part of the programme will be a structured participatory session dedicated to contributing to the I3FLOAT Innovation Roadmap. Participants will collaborate on identifying priority innovation areas across the floating offshore wind value chain, including:

• Design & Construction
• Industrialisation, Logistics & Installation
• Digitalisation, Operations & Maintenance

Strengthening Bulgaria’s Role in the European Value Chain

By fostering dialogue between business, academia and policymakers, the workshop will support the creation of new interregional partnerships and strengthen Bulgaria’s positioning within the European floating offshore wind ecosystem.