The International Electric Marine Association (IEMA) has announced its decision to establish its new headquarters in Barcelona, effective January 2025. The board of directors approved the move, citing several strategic advantages of the city, including its proximity to the heart of maritime innovation in the European Union, as well as its closeness to international regulatory bodies such as the International Marine Organization (IMO) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Additionally, Barcelona’s status as a major public infrastructure hub, particularly through the Port of Barcelona, played a significant role in the decision.
IEMA plans to maintain its global reach through regional representatives across four continents and aims to establish full-time offices in the United States, European Union, China, and the South Pacific to enhance its operations.
Since its launch in September 2023, IEMA has experienced rapid growth within the electric marine industry, attracting over 80 members worldwide. This includes prominent industry players such as Torqeedo-Yamaha, Honda R&D, Genevos, Navalt, and key infrastructure partners like the Port of Barcelona, as well as technology providers such as Kempower, ePropulsion, Vita Power, and battery specialists CATL and Kreisel.
The new headquarters in Barcelona will oversee IEMA’s global agenda, focusing on membership services, project management, events, and partnerships. IEMA President Adria Jover expressed his enthusiasm for 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.”
Local officials also highlighted the significance of IEMA’s establishment in the city. Lluís Salvadó, President of the Port of Barcelona, remarked, “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.”
Jordi Valls, Fourth Deputy Mayor for Economy, Finance, Economic Promotion, and Tourism of the Barcelona City Council, emphasized the importance of supporting infrastructure for electric boating: “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.”
Additionally, Ramon Agenjo, President of Barcelona Global, noted 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.”