The mission of the Dutch startup Sea Ranger Service is to restore 1 million hectares of ocean biodiversity by the year 2040, while training 20,000 young people for a maritime career.

Thanks to the EU BlueInvest Readiness Assistance programme, the Sea Ranger Service has developed its business case and raised €2 million in growth capital in 2021 from private and institutional investors.

With its focus on training youth, the project also fits well in the objectives of the European Year of Skills.

Europe’s Nature in Alarming Decline…

Oceans and seas are an integral part of our world. They help regulate climate, provide large amounts of the oxygen we need, and are home to much of the Earth’s biodiversity. At the same time, they also facilitate international trade and contribute to the world economy. With more than 80% of European habitats in poor condition, restoring marine ecosystems is of paramount importance to increasing biodiversity, limiting global warming to 1.5°, preventing natural disasters and reducing risks to food security.

…But Sea Ranger Service Contributes to the Rescue

The restoration of marine ecosystems is an enormous task, but our capacity for it remains limited. The Sea Ranger Service identified and filled this gap and made the most of the opportunity. The company not only influences current policies, but also implements them, creating social and environmental impact at the same time.

The Company Offers Three Main Services

• The Sea Ranger Bootcamp provides entry-level training for youth who wish to set their maritime careers in motion.
• The Sea Ranger Service is an offshore company run by maritime professionals with over 100 years of combined experience at sea. It conducts offshore research on various environmental issues, especially those pertaining to marine life protection and sea water conservation.
• Developing purpose-built carbon-efficient vessels to carry out this work cost-effectively and cleanly.

The Sea Ranger Service supports a key component of the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the proposed Nature Restoration Law, the first comprehensive law to restore damaged ecosystems, covering at least 20% of the EU's land and sea areas with nature restoration measures by 2030.

BlueInvest Comes Into Play

The BlueInvest Readiness Assistance Programme gave the Sea Rangers’ cause a boost and a direction. Drawing on the advice from their BlueInvest coach, the company has succeeded in developing their business case further and raising €2 million in growth capital in 2021. The program has also helped the company to start expanding into France, Spain and the UK.

The Sea Ranger Service has secured 13 government contracts in the Netherlands, along with initial contracts from corporate clients. Sea Ranger Service founder Wietse Van Der Werf, said:

“BlueInvest gave us the practical backing, support, and advice to take the next steps in our development.”

With restoration as one of its main focus areas, the Sea Ranger Service expects growth as the blue economy market evolves and transitions to more sustainable practices. With a solid foundation in terms of scientific research already in place and help from PwC and IKEA, the company has launched a new franchising model to recruit entrepreneur candidates for future expansion.

Background

BlueInvest Readiness Assistance is the EU’s exclusive coaching program for high potential EU start-ups and SMEs with innovative and sustainable products and solutions for the blue economy. Businesses and projects selected for Investment Readiness Assistance will receive coaching packages tailored specifically to their readiness levels and business objectives. The program is impact-driven, with a clear focus on providing business support to help start-ups and SMEs build growth capacity and attract investment.