From July 21 to 23, the Infante D. Henrique Nautical School in Oeiras hosted the Oeiras Bluetech Ocean Forum (OBOF) 2025 conference, which focused on the blue economy, technological innovation, and maritime sustainability. This landmark event was organized by Fórum Oceano and co-organized by OVIA and the International Forum for Clean Energy – Macau (IFCE), in strategic partnership with Oeiras City Council and other relevant entities.
With a rich program of panels, conferences, and networking sessions, OBOF 2025 brought together more than 200 business leaders, local and international policymakers, investors, and BlueTech experts, as well as a delegation of 30 companies from the Greater Bay Area.
Ambassador António Martins da Cruz, Chairman of OVIA’s Board, moderated and actively participated in a prominent panel, “Bluetech Innovation: Oeiras Valley going global for Blue Economy,” reinforcing the link between local innovation and global challenges in the blue economy. In his speech, he highlighted the strategic role of Oeiras as a blue innovation hub, due to the maritime cluster, the Nautical School and a robust research and technology ecosystem cohesive with initiatives such as the Oeiras Mar 2030 Program; the City Council’s commitment to the energy transition and maritime sustainability, a central element of local policies on the economy of the sea; and the relevance of international partnerships, including with the Greater Bay Area, driven by OVIA’s economic diplomacy.
The Forum was also attended by the Vice-President of OVIA, Prof. Sílvia Almeida, who gave a speech on the theme: “From Paddle to Sail: Building Strategic Advantage in the Blue Economy”.
This forum established Oeiras as a benchmark in the economy of the sea, leading debates on sustainable financing and the blue energy transition, artificial intelligence and clean energy applied to the ocean, and biodiversity protection and coastal digitalization.
The event was part of initiatives by Hub Azul Portugal, the Portugal Blue Digital Hub platform and involved various institutions from the Oeiras Marina and Nautical Station to the Hydrographic Institute, representing a decisive step in the consolidation of the Oeiras maritime cluster, driven by public policies and municipal strategies aimed at making the blue economy a pillar of regional development. OVIA’s institutional presence, through its President and Vice-President, reinforces its commitment to the internationalization of the maritime economy and attracting global investment and talent.
