The consolidation of a productive hub capable of designing, manufacturing, and sustaining vessels to international standards will mark a significant milestone at the ExpoNaval 2026 international congress. On Wednesday, December 2, the program will conclude with the panel “Shipbuilding – Comparative Models,” a strategic forum conceived to examine global best practices across the shipyard industry and adapt them to the productive landscape of Chile and the broader region.

Moderated by Rear Admiral (Ret.) Matías Purcell of the Naval War Academy, the panel will address the core pillars that make a sustained, long-term naval shipbuilding program viable. The discussion will delve into the design of efficient financing frameworks and the effective transfer of technology to local engineering.

A key focal point will be how these initiatives can drive social benefits and foster a robust domestic network of goods and services suppliers, turning defense investment into an engine of industrialization with strong export potential.

To contrast perspectives and assess international experiences, leaders from the world’s foremost naval consortia will convene alongside Chilean industrial development executives. The panel will feature contributions from Rear Admiral (Ret.) Rex Cox of the British Royal Navy, Director at Babcock International, and Thijmen Braem, Sales Manager at Damen Shipyards, alongside executives from European firms Navantia and Naval Group.

The convergence of these maritime industry powerhouses will offer valuable insights into structuring highly complex technological projects with a direct impact on national sovereignty and the broader economy.