The replica of the San Juan will set sail on a scientific mission thanks to an agreement between Albaola and AZTI.

• The technology centre and the maritime factory have signed an agreement to convert historic vessels into marine research platforms and promote the Basque naval heritage.
• The agreement will allow, among other things, the development of scientific projects related to the vessels built by Albaola, the decarbonisation of aquatic mobility in Pasaia and research into marine phenomena in the North Atlantic.

Pasaia, 3 April 2025- Albaola Itsas Kultur Faktoria, a shipyard museum dedicated to the promotion and dissemination of the Basque maritime heritage, and AZTI, a technology centre specialising in marine, fisheries and food research, have signed a collaboration agreement to promote initiatives for the sustainability of maritime culture in the Basque Country.
The alliance, initially for a period of three years, aims to promote joint projects to stimulate interest in maritime heritage in Basque society and also to increase knowledge of traditional Basque vessels. To this end, both entities will work with various educational, social and sporting associations and institutions.

The agreement lays the foundations for close collaboration between Albaola’s naval archaeology and maritime culture R&D project and AZTI’s various lines of marine research.
‘This synergy is a great opportunity to develop innovative projects that address issues such as traditional shipbuilding, historical navigation, sustainable management of marine resources and adaptation to climate change, as well as to delve into global challenges such as ocean currents, marine biodiversity and the mitigation of extreme events’, said Rogelio Pozo, CEO of AZTI.

From the San Juan whaler to water mobility in Pasaia

The collaboration agreement also includes the promotion of the project for the restoration and future revitalisation of the Ozentziyo boat, one of the last Basque wooden fishing boats. Once operational, the boat will be used for educational purposes for students, associations and the general public.

Since we were founded, our aim has always been to promote interest in the Basque maritime heritage. The collaboration with AZTI will allow us to combine our archaeological work with oceanographic research, bringing to Basque society not only history, but also solutions to current maritime challenges,’ stresses Agote.

Another area in which the two institutions will work together is the development of new solutions for the decarbonisation of water transport in the Bay of Pasaia.

With the firm conviction and commitment of both parties to preserving the Basque maritime heritage, guaranteeing the sustainability of the Bay of Pasaia and tackling current marine challenges, this agreement is an important milestone in achieving the objectives we have set ourselves,’ concluded Pozo.