Global industrialization and technology have improved social and health indicators. Still, they have also led to significant environmental issues, such as climate change and water pollution, highlighting the necessity of transitioning to a circular economy. The textile industry exemplifies this challenge. Despite its global importance, the textile sector has slowly adopted circularity. It has become a major contributor to wastewater generation and ecological damage due to the depletion of freshwater and ecotoxicity resulting from the extensive use of chemicals in dyeing and finishing processes. These problems are particularly severe in countries with lenient environmental regulations. However, they also impact European Union (EU) industries, especially in Portugal, where the textile and apparel sector represents approximately ≈17% of all manufacturing industries.

In textile processing, a significant portion of aqueous effluents is produced during the dyeing and finishing stages. Inefficient dyeing processes, especially those involving highly toxic and carcinogenic dyes, release substantial chemical pollutants. Due to their high toxicity and low cost, synthetic dyes have led most studies and technologies to focus on wastewater's physicochemical and biological treatment instead of their valorisation.

By showcasing DyeLoop technology in a relevant environment, the project aims to introduce circular technologies for reusing textile dyes and water to the market while reducing material (water and dyes) and processing (utilities and wastewater treatment) costs. This approach also enhances the textile industry's eco-friendly image and health security. The DyeLoop project aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and EU directives, significantly impacting Portugal's industrial economy with positive, sustainable outcomes.

The rise in fuel costs and the need to decarbonize the maritime sector are urgent issues that significantly impact this industry, particularly the fishing sector (47 Mton of CO2 emitted in 2016) and the recreational sector (0,7% of CO2 transportation emissions in the USA and 0,4% in Europe), with a specific focus on Portugal. This will promote energy efficiency, low-carbon solutions, and broader adoption of low-emission vessels.

These vessels will require energy storage and greener fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia to reduce emissions. Hydrogen is a promising energy vector because of its high energy potential. However, hydrogen is considered green only when produced through large-scale water electrolysis linked to renewable electricity. It is stored in high-pressure tanks or at very low temperatures, making it impractical for off-grid maritime applications. The hydrolysis of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) provides a clean, plug-and-play, and safe method to generate hydrogen for low- to moderate-power demands from hydrogen fuel cells (FCs), rendering it suitable for these two maritime sub-sectors.

The team has already conducted significant work at a laboratory scale, and an initial scaled-up prototype has been designed and successfully tested (TRL 4- 5). Another solution involves using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier, which is decomposed onboard into hydrogen that is subsequently fed into fuel cells (FCs). Furthermore, on-site ammonia decomposition has been regarded as a potential strategy to address the challenges of hydrogen storage and transportation by utilising renewable NH₃ (which contains a high hydrogen content of 17,6 wt.%) as a hydrogen carrier, making it particularly appealing for ships. Electric propulsion has been identified as the most suitable option for vessel-integrated power systems.

Electrification's feasibility depends on the vessel type and the power required for propulsion. Hybrid systems that combine fuel cells and/or energy storage systems (ESS) present a promising scenario. Traditionally, primary electric distribution systems on vessels have relied on AC power architectures. However, hybrid AC-DC or DC grids offer several benefits, such as reducing or eliminating the need for multiple conversions between AC and DC, resulting in efficiency gains due to decreased conversion losses. Additionally, the energy sources available for shipping are evolving to minimize GHG emissions and enhance overall efficiency. Consequently, the power system platform must be redesigned to accommodate new sources, such as fuel cells and batteries driven by DC grids.

Recognizing the significant economic, social, and environmental challenges facing our planet, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, establishing a global framework aimed at promoting the prosperity and well-being of humanity, protecting the environment, and combating climate change. Among the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SDG 14 stands out for its direct relevance to the marine environment, as it seeks to conserve and sustainably use oceans and marine resources as essential components of sustainable development.

In the context of this global commitment, the MarUMinho program emerges as a multidisciplinary R&D initiative at the University of Minho, organized around six strategic thematic lines — Blue Biotechnology and Sustainable Marine Bioresources, Coastal Observation and Monitoring, Coastal Interfaces, (Micro)Plastic Pollution, Sustainability and Structural Innovation, and Blue (Bio)Economy. MarUMinho aims to find innovative solutions for the region's environmental, economic, and social challenges. Its main objectives include conserving marine and coastal ecosystems, sustainably utilising marine resources, and mitigating environmental impacts.

The program also stands out for its connection to the establishment of a Multidisciplinary Institute of Marine Science and Technology in Apulia, in collaboration with the Municipal Council of Esposende. This institute will enhance applied research and knowledge transfer, reinforcing the University of Minho as a center of excellence in the study and sustainable management of marine and coastal systems. MarUMinho embodies an integrated and sustainable approach, combining science, technology, and innovation to improve the environmental and economic aspects of the North Coast of Portugal.