PortXL, the Rotterdam-based maritime start-up accelerator, has selected 11 start-ups and scale-ups for its 2026 acceleration programme, chosen from more than 250 applicants. The cohort, announced on 30 September 2026, is split into three areas: Maritime & Offshore (Bluefins, BioHalo, Elnav, Marine Weather Intelligence, Shipsonic), Energy & Infrastructure (CLHYNN, Meterspersecond, PointCanvas) and Dual Use (Aetherion Defence, Cleardrop, Copsys).
Several have a bearing on Baltic ports and offshore energy. Meterspersecond, from the Netherlands, builds vertical wind turbines intended as an alternative to diesel generators for dockside operations. CLHYNN of France has developed a fuel cell with an integrated hydrogen source built without rare metals or PFAS. Denmark’s BioHalo develops biodegradable, non-PFAS ingredients for antifouling coatings, and Luxembourg’s Aetherion Defence builds a distributed radar mesh to detect low-altitude drones around ports. Bluefins, Shipsonic and Marine Weather Intelligence target fuel use and hull fouling in shipping.
The programme runs in Rotterdam from 6 October to 3 December, in three separate weeks focused on access to market, access to capital and building a network of mentors. Lead partner is the Port of Rotterdam Authority, with innovation partners including the Ministry of Defence, the Municipality of Rotterdam, Damen and Royal IHC. PortXL says 141 start-ups have taken part since 2015 and that its alumni have raised over EUR 202 million, figures the organisation supplied itself. “Resilience, security and the energy transition are converging in the port and maritime sector,” said director Koen Vogel.
