Hydrographic Institute participates in “Atlantic Blue Thinking – Blue Economy, Innovation and Sustainable Future”

As part of the Atlantic Blue Thinking – Blue Economy, Innovation and Sustainable Future event, held on September 29 and 30 in Horta (Faial), Rear Admiral Ramalho Marreiros, Director-General of the Hydrographic Institute (HI), participated as a speaker in the sessions dedicated to the role of maritime scientific knowledge in strengthening Portugal’s presence in the Atlantic.

The HI delegation also included the Director of the Vasco da Gama Aquarium, reinforcing cooperation between institutions linked to marine science and culture.

During the event, Rear Admiral Ramalho Marreiros gave an interview to RTP Açores, where he emphasized that the HI, as a public body with responsibilities in oceanography, cartography, and maritime monitoring, plays a central role in aligning national scientific capabilities with the country’s strategic maritime interests. He highlighted that fostering cooperation between academic institutions, maritime industry stakeholders, and regional public entities is essential to driving the blue economy in the Azores and throughout Portugal’s maritime domain.

In his address to the audience, the Director-General also presented the main technical and scientific capabilities of the Hydrographic Institute, with a particular focus on potential collaboration with the Autonomous Region of the Azores — namely through the Azores School of the Sea and the MarTEC Technological Centre, currently under development. These initiatives are set to become strategic platforms for knowledge transfer, technological development, and advanced training in the field of marine sciences.

At the conference, which brought together national experts, policymakers, and representatives of scientific institutions, the Director-General of the HI further emphasized the importance of consolidating ocean observation networks, promoting the sharing of hydro-oceanographic data, and advancing maritime research programs focused on sustainability, resilience, and the valorization of marine resources.