Meet José Chambel Leitão, Founder and Managing Director of Hidromod, ABL Portugal
The team at ABL Group shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know ABL Group, but do you know our team?
Give us a glimpse into your day-to-day life at Hidromod. What keeps you on your toes?
“I do a bit of everything! First and foremost, I try to ensure that the team has work and that it meets the clients’ needs.
I assess production costs to ensure profitability, develop business opportunities that lead to proposals, prepare proposals to secure new projects, and contribute to the work wherever I’m needed.”
What drew you to our industry and what keeps you passionate about it?
Having completed a PhD in numerical modelling of coastal hydrodynamics, it’s been fascinating to see digitalisation enhance safety and efficiency in maritime industries. AI is the next challenge, set to accelerate this transformation even further!
Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?
I am currently developing the integration of Metocean nowcast and forecast into decision support for port and maritime operations.
What emerging trends or opportunities do you foresee shaping the ports and harbours sector in Portugal, and how is Hidromod contributing to this evolving landscape?
Portugal’s ports and harbours are embracing digitalisation to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability. AquaSafe, Hidromod’s digital twin platform, plays a key role by integrating real-time data, forecasting models, and on-demand tools for further insights.
This helps optimise navigation, manage risks, and improve resilience, supporting smarter and more sustainable port operations.
Beyond the work, what’s your favourite part about being part of the ABL Group team? Any fun team moments you’d like to share?
New challenges come by almost every day. Trying to figure out the intricacies of a large organisation like ABL has its fun side. It’s all new for someone who spent 32 years in a small company.
If you could change one thing about our industry, what would it be and why?
I would enhance the integration of data-driven decision-making in maritime consultancy and expert assessments. While the industry has vast amounts of data, its full potential is often underutilised. A stronger focus on digital tools, real-time modelling, and AI-driven analysis would improve accuracy and efficiency in maritime assessments, ultimately leading to better-informed decisions and more sustainable solutions.
More about José
Position: Founder and Managing Director at Hidromod
Office: Porto Salvo, Oeiras, Portugal
Hobbies: “I enjoy the challenge of managing a large family with my wife, from organising holidays to maintaining our home and garden. With eight grown children and a growing number of grandchildren, coordination is key as reflected in our family motto: Take care of the logistics, and the logistics will take care of you. I also love reading and spending time at sea or by the seaside.”
Favourite book: “My favourite book is usually the one I read most recently. At the moment, it’s the autobiography of Takashi Nagai—a doctor and survivor of the Nagasaki atomic bombing—who had also served in previous Japanese wars with China. In his final years, he dedicated himself to peace and reconciliation, offering a powerful reminder of the resilience needed in the face of war’s devastation.”
Next week, José and our ABL Ports & Harbours team will be at the UKHMA Conference in Edinburgh, showcasing our integrated approach to engineering, risk management, and digital solutions for safer, more efficient, and sustainable port operations with a spotlight on Hidromod’s AquaSafe platform helping ports optimise traffic, enhance resilience to extreme weather, and improve operational efficiency.
Book a meeting with the team at the event: