Sea Industries

Awareness of the economic importance of the oceans has been increasing exponentially in recent years. It is no longer just about fishing or exploiting the sea as a means of transport. Although maritime trade has grown continuously over the last three decades and fishing remains one of the most important industries for coastal economies, there is now a rediscovery of the oceans potential. Exploitation of biological resources has been extended to other species (algae, plankton), which has made the interest of industries until now little linked to the sector, as is the case with pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies. Exploration of the ocean floor and subsoil has found new mineral resources that allow new opportunities for biochemical industries. The fishing activity itself is more sophisticated today with the addition of the possibility of growing species in the open sea. These direct developments in the economic exploitation of the oceans have been accompanied by warnings and concerns about sustainability. This matter also contributed to the emergence of creative industrial solutions that act as a catalyst for other economic sub-sectors of great potential: offshore wind farms, wave and tidal energy utilization, desalination, technological solutions for cartography, navigation, security, protection of species, resources and of coastal populations. Simultaneously, leisure-related industries have benefited from the rediscovery of the sea, not only by increasing tourism navigation, but also by its synergy with sporting events (surfing, regattas) and cultural events (oceanariums, museums). Válio has followed the evolution of the sector with great interest, since its presence in geographies that have important exclusive economic zones for exploration of the oceans.