The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?
- Name: Hugo Jordão
- Role: Director of Business Development, Proper Marine
- Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Favourite Movie: Interstellar
- Favourite Song: Radio Ga Ga – Queen
Hugo Jordão | Director of Business Development, Proper Marine
Can you give us a glimpse into your day-to-day life at Proper Marine/Longitude Engineering?
Life at Proper Marine is dynamic, especially given the multiple roles assumed by the directors. My day usually starts with a meeting alongside the other directors to review key matters and address urgent actions. Following this, I engage in financial department discussions to align planning and priorities. Simultaneously, business development activities are a crucial part of my routine, as identifying and creating new opportunities is essential for the company’s growth.
As a naval architect, I inevitably get involved in engineering projects, contributing wherever possible to ensure we deliver the best solutions to our clients. Balancing technical, financial, and commercial responsibilities makes every day both challenging and rewarding.
What inspired you to join your profession?
The desire to create, develop, and innovate. Becoming an engineer was always a natural aspiration for me. However, entering the naval industry was more circumstantial, influenced by the market conditions in Brazil at the time I started university. In retrospect, it turned out to be a perfect fit, combining my passion for problem-solving with a dynamic and ever-evolving industry.
Tell us something exciting you are working on currently?
Currently, the integration of Proper Marine with Longitude and the broader ABL Group is both an exciting and complex challenge. Adapting to a multinational environment with distinct corporate cultures and aligning processes to fit within a larger global structure requires strategic thinking, adaptability, and leadership skills. The experience I have gained over the past 13 years at Proper Marine has been instrumental in navigating this transition successfully.
Looking ahead, what do you think is key to driving sustainability in your industry?
Sustainability in the maritime and offshore industries will largely depend on increasing operational efficiency while embracing the decarbonization of activities. As a company, we must stay at the forefront of innovation, leveraging new technologies and engineering solutions that reduce environmental impact. By optimizing vessel design, exploring alternative fuels, and improving operational processes, we can contribute to a more sustainable and responsible future for the industry.
Beyond the work, what do you enjoy most about working as part of Proper Marine / Longitude?
Developing people has always been a fundamental value at Proper Marine and something I am personally passionate about. I strongly believe that investing in people is the key to building a fairer and more equal society. Seeing colleagues grow, gain confidence, and take on new challenges is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.
