Chinese participation at Navalshore is set to expand significantly in 2026. Latin America's premier maritime, shipbuilding, and offshore industry event will host 19 Chinese companies this year, a sharp increase from the four exhibitors present in the previous edition. This growth underscores the strengthening trade relations between Brazil and China, alongside heightened Chinese interest in exploring business opportunities within Brazil's maritime industry. China has been Brazil's largest trading partner for over a decade, and maritime infrastructure is an increasingly important dimension of that relationship as both nations deepen cooperation in logistics, energy, and port development.

The rise in exhibitors directly follows the broader expansion of the blue economy, which is being fueled by strategic investments in port infrastructure, offshore activities, maritime logistics, shipbuilding, and the modernization of regional supply chains. Brazil's offshore sector in particular has benefited from sustained activity around its pre-salt oil fields, which continue to drive demand for specialized vessels, equipment, and logistics services. In this landscape, Navalshore has successfully consolidated its position as a leading business platform in Latin America for international firms seeking regional growth and expansion.

"The growth in Chinese participation is one of the clearest signs of Navalshore's internationalization," stated Rosângela Vieira, Director of Navalshore. "This nearly fivefold increase in the number of Chinese exhibitors demonstrates the event's relevance on the international stage and its ability to connect companies, investors, and suppliers with opportunities emerging in the Brazilian and Latin American maritime industries."

Among the first-time participants are Julong Intel-Tech Co., Ltd., a major Chinese manufacturer of dredging equipment, and Qingdao XJZ International Logistics Co., Ltd., a firm specializing in maritime logistics and international supply chain solutions for vessels. Despite operating in distinct market segments, both companies selected Navalshore as a strategic platform to expand their footprint in Brazil and forge new business partnerships across Latin America.

With over three decades of experience and equipment exported to 95 countries, Julong aims to meet the rising Brazilian demand for dredging solutions. This demand is currently being driven by the expansion of port infrastructure, navigation channel maintenance, and environmental restoration projects involving rivers and coastal areas. Brazil's ongoing federal investments in port upgrades and waterway logistics have further amplified the need for dredging capacity. At the event, Julong will display its comprehensive portfolio of dredgers, environmental cleaning vessels, and other maritime equipment, while actively pursuing new distributors and business partners to strengthen its regional presence.

Meanwhile, Qingdao XJZ International Logistics views Navalshore as the starting point for its broader South American expansion strategy. The company plans to introduce its integrated solutions for the maritime logistics chain, featuring bonded lubricant storage, international spare parts supply, customs operations, and its proprietary "door-to-deck" express air service. This service is specifically designed to reduce delivery times for critical components destined for vessels currently in operation.

Representatives from both companies share the assessment that Brazil offers highly favorable conditions for new maritime sector investments. The ongoing expansion of offshore operations, targeted enhancements in port infrastructure, increased cargo handling capacities, and robust economic ties between Brazil and China are creating a promising landscape for equipment manufacturers, logistics operators, and specialized suppliers alike.

Navalshore 2026 will be held from August 18 to 20 at Expo Rio Cidade Nova in Rio de Janeiro. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the event remains a top maritime industry gathering in Latin America, with Transpetro serving as its master sponsor. The exhibition brings together shipyards, shipowners, port operators, suppliers, specialists, and public sector representatives to discuss innovation, competitiveness, sustainability, and the critical challenges facing the maritime, shipbuilding, and offshore industries in Brazil and across Latin America. Visitor registration is currently open at navalshore.com.br.