Innovation, decarbonization and biosecurity take the stage at Rio Innovation Week 2026

Innovation applied to the Blue Economy was among the topics discussed during Rio Innovation Week 2026, held from 4 to 7 August at Píer Mauá, in Rio de Janeiro. Among the participants of the panel 'Blue Economy: Environment and Naval Industry' was Januário R. Gagliardi, founder and CEO of JRG Corp and CSO of Marine Telematics, companies affiliated with ACATMAR.

During the meeting, Gagliardi discussed different paths to make nautical and naval activities more efficient and sustainable, highlighting decarbonization, marine biosecurity, vessel digitalization and the strengthening of Brazilian industry.

Energy efficiency also begins below the waterline

One of the main points presented was the importance of increasing the efficiency of vessels even before discussing the replacement of propulsion sources alone.

Among the solutions discussed are foul-release technologies, used on propellers, shafts and other submerged surfaces to hinder the adhesion of biofouling. Reducing this build-up helps to lower the vessel's drag and, consequently, improve its operational efficiency and reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The discussion also moved on to marine biosecurity. Biofouling can act as a vector for the spread of invasive alien species between different regions, making its control also a matter related to the protection of aquatic biodiversity.

JRG Corp operates in the areas of foreign trade, tax consulting, customs planning, feasibility of industrial investments and structuring of operations between Brazil, Latin America and the United States.

The presence of its founder in one of the largest technology and innovation environments in Latin America reinforces exactly one of the fronts that ACATMAR seeks to encourage among its members: connection with new technologies, internationalization, business generation and increased competitiveness of the Blue Economy supply chain.

The association's work involves the different pillars of the sector, bringing together industry, trade, services and tourism, as well as promoting market relations, technical visits, B2B meetings and national and international connections.

Data and technology also transform navigation

Another front presented during the panel was the use of telemetry and data intelligence on vessels.

As CSO of Marine Telematics, Gagliardi works with solutions that turn vessels' operational information into tools for efficiency, safety and decision support, keeping pace with the growing digitalization of the nautical and naval sector.

More competitiveness for Brazilian industry

The debate also addressed the need to increase the competitiveness of the national nautical and naval chain, including the localization of solutions, technology transfer and the internationalization of Brazilian companies.

Gagliardi also defended strengthening the export of Brazilian vessels to international markets, including the North American market.

For ACATMAR, having affiliated companies occupying strategic spaces of discussion about innovation, sustainability and the future of the Blue Economy is also a demonstration of the strength of a supply chain that is increasingly connected to technology and global markets.

Source: JRG Corp. Editing: ACATMAR, Brazilian Nautical Association.