Success Story. Bluepsol: Transforming Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries with clean-tech
Bluepsol (Blue Power Solutions), a Tunisian startup founded in 2023, is rapidly emerging as one of the Mediterranean’s most promising innovators in sustainable fisheries. The company develops clean, smart, and affordable technologies that directly address the environmental, economic, and safety challenges faced by artisanal and industrial fishermen across Tunisia.
At the heart of Bluepsol’s mission is a commitment to balancing economic performance with the protection of marine resources. Tunisia’s fisheries sector is vital for food security, employment, and foreign currency earnings, yet it faces mounting pressures from climate change, rising fuel costs, and pollution. Bluepsol responds to these challenges with technologies designed to reduce environmental impact, modernise fishing operations, and support responsible resource management.
Clean Energy Solutions Tailored for Small Scale Fisheries
Bluepsol’s flagship innovation is its solar-powered smart generator, developed as a clean alternative to traditional diesel electrogens widely used in light fishing. While conventional generators consume 10–20 litres of fuel per night and emit significant CO₂ and noise pollution, Bluepsol’s system operates silently, produces zero emissions, and requires minimal maintenance. It can be charged via solar panels or a boat’s 24V alternator, and includes safety features such as a security bracelet and mobile-app intercommunication between vessels.
Complementing this is the solar smart cooler, designed for artisanal fishermen who often lack reliable cold-chain solutions. Deployed in regions such as Rades with support from AVSI, TAUW Foundation, and Italian Emilia-Romagna Region, the cooler preserves catch quality without fuel or ice, reducing waste and improving income stability.
Bluepsol is also developing an electric outboard motor by repurposing old diesel engines, an innovative circular-economy approach that reduces emissions and extends the life of existing equipment.
In aquaculture, the company leads a national pilot project under INSTM (Institut National des Sciences et Technologies de la Mer) and SwitchMed, using solar-powered monitoring systems to optimise offshore cage production while ensuring environmental compliance.
A Proven Track Record Across Tunisia
Bluepsol’s technologies have been tested and deployed in major fishing ports including Tunis, Bizerte, Kelibia, Monastir, Mahdia, Sfax, Gabès, and Zarzis. Projects range from electrifying boats with solar surveillance systems to refitting training vessels with full solar-energy setups.
A notable installation in Ghar El Melh was covered by a BBC Arabic reportage on sustainable fishing innovations in Tunisia.
Moreover, the collaboration with the WWF to help test and validate the technology with the support of local fishermen communities and cooperatives, has helped raise national awareness of clean-energy alternatives for fishermen. Watch the WWF promotional video featuring Bluepsol
Recognition and Future Ambitions
The startup has earned multiple national and international awards, including POESAM Orange 1st Prize and GreenTIC, culminating in the prestigious WestMED Best Project Award 2025.
Looking ahead, Bluepsol aims to scale its solutions across the Mediterranean, expand partnerships, and launch new pilot projects, positioning itself as a regional leader of providing smart solutions for sustainable fisheries.
One of the co-founders, Chaima Ben Grira summarised their mission as follows:
“At Bluepsol, we believe that leadership, science, and collaboration are key to driving positive change for our oceans and coastal communities.”
EU’s contribution to clean fishing vessels
The European Union supports the transition to cleaner and more energy-efficient fishing vessels as part of its broader climate and sustainability agenda. This effort is anchored in the European Green Deal and the Common Fisheries Policy, which promote environmentally responsible fishing practices while safeguarding the economic viability of coastal communities.
The Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) is a European Commission–led collaborative platform created in 2023 to accelerate the energy transition in the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector. It brings together stakeholders across the value chain to tackle technical, financial, and regulatory barriers that slow down decarbonisation.
Financial support is mainly provided through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) for the 2021–2027 period. EMFAF finances fleet modernisation, energy-efficiency improvements, and the adoption of low-carbon technologies, largely through national and regional programmes. In parallel, the EU launches pilot projects and innovation calls to demonstrate new solutions such as hybrid propulsion systems, renewable energy integration, and alternative fuels on fishing vessels.
Beyond funding, EU research programmes and evolving maritime safety and environmental regulations create long-term incentives for cleaner vessels. Together, these policies, financial instruments, and innovation initiatives form a comprehensive approach to decarbonising the fisheries sector while supporting sustainable livelihoods and food security across Europe.
| More info about Bluepsol | |
| Budget | Not available (Private) |
| Partners/ Countries | Private company (2-10 employees) |
| Follow | Social media: |
| Duration | Founded in 2023 |
