Maritime careers: the future profile of the professional

The maritime and port sector is a major driver of global growth. In Brazil, its relevance is even more pronounced: over 80% of foreign trade transactions pass through ports, and this figure rises to 95% when considering the total volume of goods transported, according to data from the National Agency for Waterway Transport (ANTAQ).

In addition to its economic importance, the sector offers vast opportunities for those seeking professional growth. “With technological advancements, the expansion of cabotage, increasing cargo flows through ports, and the rising value of maritime professionals, there are more and more opportunities for those who want to enter or grow in this market,” says Marcelo Knaak, Manager of the Southern Region and Tugboat Operations Centre at Wilson Sons.

The increased investment from both public and private sectors reflects a promising market. “We have seen a significant rise in the volume of operations in Brazil, driven by the growth of specific industrial sectors such as agribusiness, and the expansion of logistics routes. This demands increasingly efficient operations and professionals equipped to meet the demand.”

In a traditionally male-dominated sector, professionals must also keep pace with regulatory and technological advancements. “Professionals must remain up to date. The market is increasingly dynamic and open, and the growing presence of women in the sector is undoubtedly a positive development”.

Career Opportunities

The Brazilian port sector continues on a growth trajectory. According to ANTAQ, 2023 was a record year, with over 1.3 billion tonnes handled, driven by iron ore, soy, and oil exports, alongside the strengthening of offshore operations.

With the growth of cabotage and investment in waterway transport, the need for qualified professionals to work in ports, terminals, and vessels is increasing. The demand for technicians, naval engineers, maritime professionals, and port and logistics specialists has never been higher. Port operations have also become more diverse, incorporating technologies such as automation, remote monitoring, artificial intelligence, and decarbonisation measures, all of which require new skills from industry professionals.

Wilson Sons plays a key role in this landscape, continuously investing in technology and training. The company operates the largest tugboat fleet in Brazil, with over 80 vessels distributed along the entire coast. “The maritime market is undergoing a full transformation. Those who wish to pursue a successful career must be prepared to operate in a dynamic, highly technological environment. Here, we invest in continuous training to ensure our teams stay one step ahead.”

Tugboat operations demand pinpoint precision, especially in busy ports. With ships becoming larger, operational challenges have grown, requiring more robust equipment and highly skilled teams. The executive highlights the need for adaptability in this context:

“Ships are getting bigger, requirements are stricter, and safety is paramount. Wilson Sons has been investing in expanding its fleet and in new protocols to ensure increasingly safe and efficient manoeuvres, whatever the conditions.”

By adopting strict protocols to mitigate risks, Wilson Sons ensures that operations can be carried out safely in a variety of scenarios, including challenging metocean conditions. Regulatory compliance is taken extremely seriously, balancing operational efficiency with adherence to Brazilian and international standards.

High levels of investment also bring greater safety to professionals during operations—but that’s not the only form of care. Mental health is a key agenda and has received special attention, the executive adds:

 “Life on board requires adaptability and resilience, but also appropriate support from back-office teams. Wilson Sons invests in well-being programmes and provides psychological support to its professionals, to ensure they can perform their roles with safety and quality of life.”

Furthermore, the company places strong emphasis on ongoing training, preparing its teams to handle the complexities of maritime work. Whether through high-tech simulators or specialised training in safety and operations, employees stay up to date with industry best practices. For those starting out in the profession, Knaak advises:

“Working offshore demands dedication, but the rewards are great. It’s essential to be open to learning, to develop technical skills, and to maintain a flexible mindset. The sector is evolving, and those who adapt naturally build solid careers.”

Qualification is the key differentiator for those seeking to grow in the maritime sector. At Wilson Sons, this principle is taken seriously, with robust investments in professional development. One of the company’s major highlights is the William Salomon Maritime Training Centre (CAMWS), located in Santos (SP). It is one of the most advanced centres in Brazil for port support training, offering specialised courses for maritime and port professionals. With a state-of-the-art simulator, technical laboratories, and highly qualified instructors, the centre ensures that staff are well-prepared for the sector’s challenges. “Our commitment is to enhance the best professionals in the market. CAMWS is a fundamental pillar in this process, ensuring our teams are equipped to operate with safety and excellence—and to become strong promoters of knowledge and best practices at their units.”

Innovation and Sustainability: The New Frontiers for Port Professionals

The maritime industry is undergoing rapid digital and environmental transformation. Today, concepts such as vessel automation, sustainable fuels, and port digitalisation are shaping the sector’s future.

At Wilson Sons, innovation is a strategic pillar. The company is also investing in remote monitoring and artificial intelligence to ensure safer, more efficient operations. But is there still space for the traditional seafarer in this new world? According to Knaak, yes—more strategically than ever.

“Technology doesn’t replace the human factor—it enhances it. Today’s professionals need to combine traditional skills with technological knowledge. We are heavily invested in digitalisation but always value the experience and strategic insight of our people.”

The importance of blending innovation in processes with the human element has been demonstrated by the gamification programme adopted by the Tugboat business unit: “Gamifying our operations is an interesting case. We have a continental operation involving a fleet of more than 80 tugboats and over a thousand people. It’s a major managerial challenge. We introduced key business indicators from important areas—such as operations, maintenance, HSE, and HR—using gamification language. The results are outstanding, with improvements across all indicators and high levels of staff engagement.”

Sustainability is also becoming a top priority in the maritime sector. The need to adopt greener practices is reshaping operations and requiring a new kind of professional—more conscious and ready to embrace the energy transition already underway. Wilson Sons already operates tugboats equipped with IMO Tier III technology, which reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 14%, helping decarbonise the sector and significantly lowering its operational emissions in pursuit of carbon neutrality.

“Transitioning to a more sustainable sector is not an option—it’s a necessity. Our tugboats already feature technologies that cut GHG emissions, and we are constantly seeking new solutions to make our operations even more sustainable.”

This is not the company’s only green initiative, the executive assures. Decarbonising towage operations has been a key focus for Knaak, including the implementation of shore power in ports—connecting vessels to the national electricity grid. This practice, already in place for some tugboats at Porto do Açu (RJ), for instance, reduces the need for diesel fuel to power generators between manoeuvres, significantly cutting CO₂ emissions by using shore power that primarily comes from hydroelectric sources in Brazil.

Gender diversity has also become an increasingly important topic in the sector. Although historically male-dominated, the maritime market has seen a growing number of women taking on roles in port operations and maritime logistics management.

However, the figures still indicate low female representation—just 13% in terminal operations, according to estimates from Brazil’s Ministry of Labour and Employment. For this reason, Wilson Sons encourages female inclusion through specific training and recruitment initiatives, such as the “Porto Delas” programme. This is yet another sign that the maritime sector is in constant evolution, the executive affirms.

“Female inclusion in the sector is not just about fairness—it’s about competitiveness. Talented professionals, regardless of gender, should have equal opportunities to grow and contribute to the industry’s strength and innovation. There should be no barriers for women.”

The maritime sector is more dynamic and promising than ever. With technological advances, growing concern over sustainability, and the increase in global operations, opportunities for qualified professionals are on the rise—and Wilson Sons stands out in this scenario, consistently investing in training, innovation, and sustainable practices. With robust training programmes, a benchmark training centre, and initiatives focused on inclusion and diversity, the company fosters an environment where its professionals are well-equipped for future challenges.

“A maritime career remains one of the most challenging and rewarding paths in the world. Those who choose this journey will have the chance to grow in a sector that never stops evolving—and that keeps the world moving! At Wilson Sons, we’re ready to shape that future and we invite professionals to embark on this journey with us.”