The Andalusian company participated as a speaker in the official presentation of the Dossier 5H of the Blue Economy of Andalusia and is an active part of the working group that promotes this pioneering strategy for the sustainable development of the maritime-marine sector.
Seville, May 28, 2026. Andalusia has taken a historic step towards European maritime leadership with the official presentation of the Dossier 5H of the Blue Economy of Andalusia, an initiative promoted by the Maritime-Marine Cluster of Andalusia (CMMA) together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development of the Junta de Andalucía, which constitutes the first major strategic tool of this type developed in Spain.
The presentation took place at the headquarters of the Confederation of Andalusian Businessmen (CEA) and brought together leading authorities, companies, universities, technology centers, and institutions linked to the Andalusian maritime sector. Among the prominent participants was Francisco Manén, CEO and founder of Nautilus Dragados, who participated as a speaker in one of the event’s panel discussions, accompanied by Toni Fernández, the company’s Director of Logistics and Institutional Relations.
The opening of the day was led by Javier González de Lara, president of the CEA, and Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, acting Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and Javier Noriega Hernández, president of the CMMA, who highlighted the role of the blue economy as an essential pillar for the future of Andalusian competitiveness.
Under the title “Governance in the Blue Economy: A Bridge to the Future,” the first panel discussion, moderated by CMMA President Javier Noriega, addressed the strategic role of ports, sustainability, and public governance. Key figures in the sector participated, including Carlos Aldereguia Prado (Director General of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and the Blue Economy), Ignacio Álvarez-Ossorio Ramos (Director of the Public Ports Agency of Andalusia), Francisco González Pérez (Special State Delegate to the Cádiz Free Trade Zone Consortium), and the presidents of the port authorities of Motril and Algeciras, José García Fuentes and Gerardo Landaluce Calleja. The scientific and academic perspective was provided by Carmen Garrido Pérez (General Coordinator of CEIMAR) and Mari Carmen García (Deputy Scientific Director of the Oceanographic Center of Málaga).
With Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development of the Andalusian Regional Government
With José María Reyes Sarmiento (Endesa)
Business and knowledge: the winning combination
The business sector and the transfer of technical knowledge formed the second major focus of the meeting: “Business and Knowledge in Blue Andalusia: A Pairing of Excellence.” Moderated by Professor Maria Isabel Sáez Casado, coordinator of CEI-Mar in Almería, the panel analyzed how the dossier will facilitate the direct translation of innovation into market competitiveness.
The debate has included contributions from top-level representatives from all territories of Andalusia, such as Juan José Sibina (Association of Consignees of Malaga), Francisco Manén (Nautilus Dragados), the Professor of Marine Biology José Carlos García Gómez (University of Seville), José Luis García Zaragoza Pérez (Cadiz Maritime Naval Cluster) and José María Reyes Sarmiento (Endesa).
The final touch and closing of the event was carried out by a panel that reflected the diversity and transversality of the Andalusian blue economy: Esther Molina (Suncruise Andalucia), Manuel Crespo (Andalusian Institute of Professional Diving), Carlos Alejo (Ghenova Engineering), José Francisco Allona (College of Naval Engineers) and José Maria Gallart (Andalusian Federation of Fishing Associations – FAAPE).
Together with Toni Fernández (Logistics Director of Nautilus)
A recognition of the strategic role of Nautilus Dragados
Nautilus Dragados’ participation in this important forum is no coincidence. The company is part of the working group that has contributed to the development of the Andalusian Blue Economy Strategy and has been selected to provide the business and operational perspective of one of the most relevant sectors for the future of the Andalusian coast.
During his speech, Francisco Manén highlighted the importance of moving from strategic planning to the actual execution of projects that allow the realization of the sustainability, innovation and economic growth objectives promoted by the Blue Economy.
“Strategies are fundamental, but they need companies capable of turning them into tangible realities. Andalusia has enormous maritime and port potential, but it also needs technical capacity, means of execution and experience to develop projects compatible with the protection of the marine environment and sustainable economic growth,” he noted during the meeting.
In this context, Nautilus Dragados is a particularly relevant player within the Andalusian maritime ecosystem. Its specialization in sustainable dredging, maritime works, port infrastructure, environmental restoration, and technical solutions for coastal environments positions it as one of the best-prepared companies to contribute to the practical implementation of the principles that inspire the new Blue Economy.
Together with Mr. Rafael Montero (Commercial Director of the Public Ports Agency of Andalusia)
The Blue Economy needs execution capacity
One of the most noteworthy aspects of Dossier 5H is its ability to connect public administrations, businesses, universities, and research centers under a collaborative model based on the so-called “quintuple helix.” The document integrates more than 300 companies and entities in the sector, as well as more than 200 research groups, scientific and technical infrastructures, and strategic projects related to the sea.
However, for the objectives of this strategy to become real projects, it will be essential to have companies capable of carrying out complex actions while respecting the environmental and sustainability criteria required by the Blue Economy.
This is precisely where Nautilus Dragados offers a unique advantage. The company possesses the experience, technical resources, and specialized knowledge necessary to develop maritime projects that combine operational efficiency, technological innovation, and respect for marine ecosystems.
From environmentally responsible dredging operations to port infrastructure, coastal regeneration or climate change adaptation projects, Nautilus Dragados has been working for years applying criteria that today constitute some of the fundamental pillars of the Blue Economy.
Interview with RNE and other media
Andalusia, maritime benchmark of Southern Europe
The presentation of Dossier 5H represents a milestone for Andalusia and positions the autonomous community as one of the most advanced regions in Southern Europe in planning an economic model linked to the sea.
With over 1,000 kilometers of coastline, strategic ports of international importance, a powerful scientific network and a highly specialized business fabric, Andalusia has all the necessary elements to lead the sustainable transformation of the maritime sector.
Nautilus Dragados is proud to be part of this process from its initial stages and to actively contribute to the development of initiatives that generate employment, attract investment, promote innovation and protect marine natural heritage.
Commitment to the blue future of Andalusia
Nautilus Dragados‘ participation in the presentation of Dossier 5H reaffirms the company’s commitment to the sustainable development of the maritime sector and to building a more innovative, competitive and environmentally friendly Andalusia.
As an Andalusian company specializing in maritime and port solutions, we will continue to collaborate with administrations, institutions and agents of the sector to make real the projects that will define the future of our coast and our economy.
Because the Blue Economy is not just a strategy. It’s a historic opportunity to transform Andalusia’s maritime potential into progress, innovation, and sustainability. And Nautilus Dragados is ready to be one of the companies leading the way.