The award, granted unanimously by the Maritime-Marine Cluster of Andalusia, recognizes the company’s growth potential and contribution to the development of the Blue Economy.
Motril (Granada), June 9, 2026.- Nautilus Dragados has been awarded the PROA 2026 Prize in the category “New Company / Entrepreneurial Idea”, a recognition granted by the Maritime-Marine Cluster of Andalusia (CMMA) and the Junta de Andalucía that highlights the innovation, sustainability and growth capacity of emerging companies linked to the Blue Economy.
The award was presented during the PROA Awards Gala 2026 held in the Port of Motril, in an event that brought together institutional representatives, companies, universities and leading organizations of the Andalusian maritime sector.
The jury, made up of representatives from the Andalusian Regional Government, the Public Ports Agency of Andalusia, the Confederation of Andalusian Businessmen, universities, research centers and leading companies in the sector, unanimously agreed to award the prize to Nautilus Dragados for its innovative business model and for the development of specialized solutions in sustainable dredging for ports, beaches and riverbeds.
Mr. Ramon Fernandez Pacheco, Councillor of the Andalusian Regional Government and Mr. Javier Noriega, President of the Andalusian Maritime Cluster
Mr. Ramon Fernandez Pacheco, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development of the Regional Government of Andalusia
Mr. Rafael Montero, Director of Communication and Institutional Relations of the Public Ports Agency of Andalusia
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development of the Andalusian Regional Government, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, emphasized that companies like Nautilus Dragados are fundamental to the future of Andalusia’s Blue Economy, combining innovation, sustainability, and growth potential. Fernández-Pacheco pointed out that Andalusia needs companies capable of developing new technologies applied to the sea and transforming knowledge into economic opportunities, thus helping to position the region as a national and international leader in the maritime and port sectors.
The organization highlighted the application of advanced technologies and low environmental impact methods that minimize sediment resuspension, protect marine biodiversity, and ensure efficient management of extracted materials, thus contributing to the conservation of aquatic ecosystems and the sustainable development of maritime infrastructure.
Representing Nautilus Dragados at the 2026 PROA Awards ceremony were Francisco Manen, founder and CEO of the company, and Toni Fernández, Director of Logistics and Institutional Relations. They accepted the award during a gala that brought together representatives from the Andalusian Regional Government, port authorities, universities, research centers, and leading companies linked to the Andalusian Blue Economy.
“This award is a source of enormous pride for our entire team and confirms that it is possible to develop a new generation of maritime services where operational efficiency and environmental sustainability go hand in hand,” said Francisco Manen, CEO of Nautilus Dragados, after receiving the award.
“Since our inception, we have been committed to transforming the dredging sector through more innovative, responsible solutions adapted to current environmental challenges. This recognition motivates us to continue growing and consolidating our position as a leader in the maritime and port sector,” he added.
Nautilus Dragados develops its activity in the field of sustainable dredging, marine environmental management, the recovery of coastal areas and port infrastructures, combining technological innovation, operational efficiency and commitment to the protection of the marine environment.
The company continues to advance its growth strategy with the aim of becoming one of the national benchmarks in low environmental impact dredging and comprehensive solutions for the sustainable development of ports, coasts and maritime environments.