Cork study to probe feasiblity of turning marine matter into fuels and fertilisers
Representatives from Munster Technological University (MTU), Pure Ocean Algae and the Castletownbere Fishermen’s Co-Op at the launch of the Mara Blue feasibility study. At the launch were: Josette O’Mullane, innovation and enterprise manager, Rubicon Centre, MTU; Cllr Ann Marie Ahern, deputising for the Cork County Mayor; Darragh Cotter, South West regional manager, Enterprise Ireland; John Nolan, co-operative manager, Castletownbere Fishermen’s Co-Op; Michael O’Neill, founder and CEO, Pure Ocean Algae; Dr Tim Yeomans, centre manager, Centre for Applied Bioscience Research, MTU; Professor Maggie Cusack. president, MTU; Cllr Finbarr Harrington, and Patrick Reidy, programme manager, Regional Enterprise Plan South West).
A feasibility study into a marine biorefinery in Castletownbere in West Cork was recently launched.
The project was unveiled by the Mara Blue initiative, with support from Enterprise Ireland and Cork County Council.
A marine biorefinery is a sustainable industrial facility that processes materials like algae, seaweed, and fish waste into products like biofuels, food ingredients, pharmaceuticals, and fertilisers.
The proposed facility is intended to serve as a 'living lab' for developing and demonstrating new products and circular economy solutions, and it is intended it would operate as dedicated, not-for-profit entity.
The project is being led by Munster Technological University (MTU) in collaboration with Pure Ocean Algae and the Castletownbere Fishermen’s Co-Op. It would be Ireland’s first full-scale marine biorefinery.
Michael O’Neill, managing director of Pure Ocean Algae, said that the project “could unlock economic potential, drive innovation, and ensure our marine resources are used sustainably for generations to come.”
Professor Maggie Cusack, MTU president, added: “This feasibility study represents the first critical step in bringing this world-class marine biorefinery to life.
Earmarked for Dinish Island in Castletownbere, and subject to validation of the commercial and technical viability of the initiative, the proposed facility will seek to focus on functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, animal feed, sustainable agricultural inputs, and biomedical ingredients.
Darragh Cotter, south west regional manager for Enterprise Ireland, said that the feasibility study will enable the evaluation of the technical, commercial, and community potential for a marine biorefinery in the region, which may help realise the long term opportunities for the processing and exports of marine bioproducts.
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