Meet Juan Antonio Vieiros Cañal, Dynamic Positioning Lead, ABL Middle East
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 ABL . What keeps you on your toes?
“As Regional Dynamic Positioning Lead at ABL, my role is always dynamic. One day, I’m conducting DP audits or FMEA studies; the next, I’m on an OVID inspection, offshore witnessing DP trials, meetings with Clients, etc..
Staying ahead of evolving technology and regulations keeps me on my toes, ensuring vessels operate safely and efficiently in complex offshore environments.
Ultimately, my goal is to enhance operational reliability and safety for our clients, whether it’s an oil and gas project or a renewables operation. Every day presents a new challenge, and that’s what makes this job so rewarding.”
What drew you to the maritime world and what keeps you passionate about it?
“I was born in Gijón, a beautiful city in the North of Spain with a deep maritime heritage, the sea has always been part of my life. This connection naturally led me to the maritime world, where technology and offshore operations constantly evolve.
What keeps me passionate is the challenge of ensuring safe and efficient vessel operations, knowing that our work directly impacts the industry and those who depend on it.”
Can you tell us about something exciting you are working on right now?
Right now, I’m focused on growing our DP assurance services in the region by emphasizing quality, knowledge, experience, and honesty. The biggest challenge—and the most exciting part—is demonstrating to vessel owners and oil majors that thorough and transparent onboard testing is the key to ensuring safety in DP operations. It’s a rewarding effort, as building trust through expertise and integrity is what truly makes a difference in the industry.
Looking ahead, how do you see advancements in Dynamic Positioning contributing to a more sustainable future for the energy and maritime industries
“Advancements in DP technology are playing a key role in reducing fuel consumption and emissions, making offshore operations more energy-efficient. Improved automation, hybrid power integration, along with last generation DP control systems are helping vessels maintain position with greater precision, minimizing environmental impact.
As the industry shifts toward greener energy solutions, DP technology will be essential in supporting offshore wind, floating production, and other sustainable initiatives.”
Beyond the work, what’s your favourite part about being part of the ABL Group team in Dubai? Any fun team moments you’d like to share?
The best part of being in ABL Dubai is the team spirit—we’re a diverse group with a shared passion for the maritime industry. Whether it’s collaborating on challenging projects or enjoying team outings, there’s always a great energy. Each and every single day you can have fun, having a coffee with any of my lovely team, not only from Dubai, but also Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain – KSA teams, which I do collaborate a lot and use to catch up several times during the year. The funniest moment is always the UAE Christmas Party, it always become an unforgettable evening where all together have good fun, really.
If you could change one thing about the maritime industry, what would it be and why?
If I could change one thing about the maritime industry, it would be to restore the respect and recognition that seafarers deserve. They are the backbone of global trade and offshore operations, yet their invaluable contributions are often overlooked. Ensuring better working conditions, fair treatment, and appreciation for their expertise would not only benefit them but also strengthen the entire industry.
More about Juan
Position: GCC Dynamic Positioning Lead / Marine Principal Engineer
Office: Dubai, UAE
Hobbies: Football, water sports, reading a good book.
Favourite Movie: El Secreto de sus ojos || Favourite Book: “Don Quijote” by Miguel de Cervantes
Favourite Song: “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
At ABL, Our Dynamic Positioning (DP) services encompass all aspects of the DP system, from initial design consulting, procedures and documentation, proving trials, audits, incident investigation, life extension studies, maintenance and management, providing value to our clients at every step of the way.