O VTS do Porto do Açu (2015-2025): contribuições à economia azul e à resistência cibernética das infraestruturas Marítimas no Brasil

Abstract

This study analyzes the contributions of the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) of Port of Açu (Rio de Janeiro) to Brazil’s Blue Economy objectives, as well as its capacity to address challenges arising from increasing digitalization and port cybersecurity risks. The research is justified by the strategic importance of critical maritime infrastructure in the “Blue Amazon” (Amazônia Azul), the growing cyber vulnerability resulting from system interconnectivity, and the scarcity of Brazilian studies linking sustainability with digital protection. The general objective is to assess how the VTS implemented at the private Port of Açu, a pioneer initiative in the country, contributes to sustainable development, which cybersecurity practices it employs, and what challenges it faces in this domain. A qualitative approach was adopted, based on a case study with document analysis, semi-structured interviews with specialists, and comparative benchmarking against international experiences. The results show that the Port of Açu VTS operates with a high level of efficiency in waterway traffic control, yielding improvements in navigational safety, environmental impact mitigation, regional development, and social inclusion. In the cybersecurity sphere, it was found that although the system holds no formal certifications, its governance is grounded in best practices aligned with internationally recognized frameworks. It is concluded that the Port of Açu’s experience can serve as a model for future VTS implementations in Brazil, provided it is accompanied by public policies focused on regulation, technical capacity-building, and on integrating digital security with maritime Sustainability.