The Continental Shelf Extension Task Force (EMEPC), headed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Maritime Affairs and the Brazilian Navy – Hydrography and Navigation Directorate (DHN) will collaborate on scientific missions in the Atlantic with the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Luso, one of the most advanced scientific ocean exploration systems to serve Portugal.

EMEPC and DHN signed a Cooperation Agreement to boost technical-scientific collaboration between the two countries regarding the extension of their respective continental shelves beyond the 200 nautical miles.

The agreement sets a solid foundation for the joint development of geological mapping activities and the collection of samples from the deep sea using the ROV Luso.

Among the areas of cooperation, one finds: the exchange of technical-scientific information, methods to acquire and process geophysical and geological data, joint training and capacity-bu8ilding, and collaboration in oceanographic campaigns in the South Atlantic.

This partnership falls under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and brings continuity to the work both countries have developed with the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf with the aim of assuring sovereignty rights on their extended continental shelves.

Signing this agreement is also establishing the commitments taken on at the 8th Luso-Brazilian Summit held on 2023 and reflects the Portuguese Cooperation Strategy 2030 priorities where the oceans and blue economy are identified as strategic areas to boost international cooperation.

"This agreement is a natural and significant step in the scientific partnership between Portugal and Brazil. Knowledge of the deep sea is essential to claim sovereign rights and ocean sustainability, two priorities set in the Government’s programme", claimed José Manuel Fernandes, Minister of Agriculture and Maritime Affairs.

Under this agreement, a contract with financial return will be set at once, associated with an observation campaign using the ROV. "This equipment is thereby monetised during the winter period in Portugal, ensuring at the same time that the team operating it maintains its levels of proficiency", stated Vice-Admiral Carlos Ventura Soares, in charge of EMEPC.