International Electric Marine Association announces new headquarters in Barcelona
by International Electric Marine Association 10 Oct 2024 04:22 PDT
International Electric Marine Association announces new headquarters in Barcelona © International Electric Marine Association
The International Electric Marine Association (IEMA) has announced that it will be establishing its new headquarters in Barcelona, starting January 2025.
The decision, approved by the IEMA board of directors, was driven by several strategic factors: Barcelona's proximity to the heart of maritime innovation in the EU, its closeness to international regulatory bodies like the International Marine Organization (IMO) and the International Standardization Organization (ISO), and the city's strong global leadership, particularly through its major public infrastructure hub, the Port of Barcelona.
IEMA will continue to operate through its regional representatives across four continents, with plans to establish full-time offices in the US, EU, China, and the South Pacific to support its global operations.
Since its launch in September 2023, IEMA has rapidly grown into a key player in the electric marine industry, attracting over 80 members worldwide. These members include top industry commercial and recreational names including Torqeedo-Yamaha, Honda R&D, Genevos and Navalt; infrastructure leaders Port of Barcelona; shore power solutions provider Kempower; electric outboard motor maker ePropulsion; drivetrain manufacturers Vita Power, and battery technology specialists CATL and Kreisel.
The new Barcelona headquarters will oversee IEMA's global agenda, with a focus on membership services, project management, events, and partnerships.
Adria Jover, President of IEMA, shared his excitement about the move, stating, "Barcelona is a worldwide port and a global brand, with an unequivocal commitment to decarbonization. We believe IEMA will have the best platform to fully develop its potential and address its international agenda."
Institutional support and global collaboration
"Our commitment to maritime decarbonization through relevant investments is very strong. IEMA's landing in Barcelona is great news for the innovative electric marine ecosystem" said Lluís Salvadó, the President of the Port of Barcelona.
Jordi Valls, Fourth Deputy Mayor for Economy, Finance, Economic Promotion and Tourism of Barcelona City Council highlighted the importance of supporting infrastructure for accelerating electric boating, saying: "We celebrate to host global projects that make the sea an economic engine of innovation and sustainability, strengthening Barcelona's role as the capital of the Blue Economy."
Ramon Agenjo, the president of Barcelona Global, said that "IEMA's decision is a great step forward in the work we are carrying out through our investment attraction agency, Barcelona & Partners, to make Barcelona a benchmark city worldwide for talent and investment, primarily in the blue economy".
Exciting 2024/25 Plans
Looking ahead, IEMA has a dynamic agenda planned for 2024/25. This includes the release of the first sales market indicators for the recreational sector by the end of 2024 and for the commercial sector by the second quarter of 2025. Additionally, IEMA will participate in numerous industry events and initiatives aimed at promoting the electric marine sector.
Be a Catalyst for Change - Join IEMA Today!
Join IEMA and be part of the future of the electric marine industry. Spark innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth by becoming a member today. Visit iema.org/become-a-member for more information.