Brazilian Navy Hosts 3rd International Workshop on Submarine Cable Protection Emphasizing Global Cooperation

The Brazilian Navy successfully hosted the 3rd International Workshop on Submarine Cable Protection from June 23 to 25, 2026, at the Almirante Marques de Leão Training Center in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. Organized by the Naval Special Operations Command in partnership with the Brazilian Submarine Cable Protection Committee, the event drew participation from government officials, private sector representatives, regulatory bodies, academia, and navies from partner countries.

Focused on safeguarding critical maritime infrastructures, the workshop underscored the critical role submarine cables play in global data transmission — over 95% of international data traffic depends on these cables. Discussions included comprehensive strategies for both physical and cyber protection of these underwater communication and energy infrastructures.

Rear Admiral Alvaro Lemos, Naval Commander of Special Operations, emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge to prevent incidents that could cause serious national economic and security losses. Rear Admiral Melvin R. Smith of the U.S. Navy stressed that no single nation can ensure the protection of submarine cables alone, highlighting the necessity for coordinated international cooperation. Similarly, João Alves from Portugal's National Communications Authority pointed out that joint exercises are crucial to enhancing resilience against potential threats.

The workshop aligned with Brazil's National Security Policy, as pointed out by Captain Márcio Arruda from the Institutional Security Office of the Presidency. The event also showcased Petrobras’s growing submarine cable network, expanding from approximately 600 kilometers to 2,200 kilometers, which exemplifies the increasing strategic importance of such infrastructure in energy and digital operations. Eduardo Pereira from Ascenty Data Center noted the strategic opportunity presented by the workshop to bolster the security of infrastructure that underpins the digital economy.

This international gathering reinforced the importance of global collaboration to protect vital submarine cables that support communications, digital economies, and national security worldwide.