Portugal is making significant progress in preparing its maritime sector for the future.
Portugal Blue Digital Hub: Preparing the Maritime Sector for a Sustainable Future
A new initiative, the Portugal Blue Digital Hub (PBDH), brings together leading national organisations to help the maritime sector become more digital, sustainable, and competitive. At its core, ISQ—a Portuguese technology and training group—is developing a digital learning platform to train workers and companies in the maritime world.
The platform will offer a wide range of online courses focused on the essential skills of today and tomorrow, including digital tools and eco-friendly practices. Topics will cover data analysis, blockchain, energy efficiency, and environmental protection. The goal is to prepare professionals for the growing demands of the blue economy—the part of the economy that depends on the sea, including shipping, ports, fisheries, marine research, and ocean energy.
ISQ’s training platform will support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as public institutions in the maritime sector. Courses will follow international rules such as the STCW convention, ensuring seafarers are properly trained and certified. They will also align with Portugal’s National Qualifications Catalogue, allowing workers to gain recognised certifications that boost their employability at home and abroad.
The Portugal Blue Digital Hub is more than just a training programme—it’s a national effort involving key partners from science, education, innovation, and policy. Coordinated by Fórum Oceano, the project brings together institutions such as ENIDH (Portuguese Maritime Academy), the University of Aveiro, CIIMAR, IPMA, and Beta-i, among others. Together, they aim to position Portugal at the forefront of Europe’s maritime industry in digital innovation and sustainability.
Covering eight strategic areas—from technology and data to financing and international partnerships—the initiative focuses on equipping people and businesses with the tools they need to adapt and thrive in a changing world.
Portugal has always had a deep connection to the sea. With projects like the Portugal Blue Digital Hub, the country is now showing how to care for the ocean while harnessing its potential in smart, sustainable ways—creating not just a stronger maritime sector, but a better future with greener industries, new skills, and more opportunities for the next generation.
Source: theportugalnews
