José Manuel Bolieiro highlights Navy protocol as key to strengthening Azores’ leadership in ocean research - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the signing ceremony of the cooperation protocol between the Regional Government and the Portuguese Navy. It lays the foundations for the operation and maintenance of the scientific research vessel "Azores Ocean," one of the most important infrastructures of the Azores Sea Cluster, financed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).

This agreement strengthens strategic cooperation between the two entities. It will enable a more efficient use of public resources and ensure coordination between scientific research and maritime security and surveillance missions under national jurisdiction. The vessel will serve the entire country, harnessing the Region's scientific and technological capacity in the ocean field.

The head of the Azorean Government stressed that "Azores Ocean will serve Portugal," highlighting that this platform "consolidates the Region's role in the field of research and reflects the Atlantic vision of a country that values knowledge and sustainability."

"We are more sea than land, and we are using science to promote an Atlantic country with global relevance," he added, highlighting the Azores' contribution to the defence of biodiversity and the progress of marine conservation policies.

With around €20 million invested, "Azores Ocean" was designed as a modern, technologically advanced and energy-efficient research platform featuring diesel-electric propulsion, 15 days of autonomy, and a capacity for 30 people on board. Fitted with laboratories, a data centre and acoustic mapping systems capable of reaching depths of up to 5,000 metres, the vessel will be used for biological, biotechnological and energy exploration missions, contributing to knowledge production and scientific innovation.

The President of the Government concluded by stating that "the Azores want to be relevant in a future that is being built in the present, through sustainability, science, research and service to humanity." He also reiterated that this project is an example of cooperation and shared strategic vision between the Region and the State.

The arrival of "Azores Ocean" in the Azores is scheduled for the end of 2025, when it will be fully integrated into the regional strategy for scientific and technological development linked to the sea, in conjunction with the future Technopole - Martec research centre to be built in Horta.

The ceremony was attended by the Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, the Executive Director of the Azores Maritime School, Ana Rodrigues, the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Admiral Jorge Manuel Nobre de Sousa, accompanied by Marta Sousa and her entourage, as well as the Vice-Mayor of Horta, Carlos Morais, and the President of the Horta Municipal Assembly, Maria Teresa Ribeiro.