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?
- Name: Guilherme Leal
- Role: Operations Director, Proper Marine
- Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Favourite Book: I really enjoy books that bring history to life through compelling characters and real events, especially with a touch of warfare. Bernard Cornwell’s books, like The Sharpe or The Last Kingdom series, are some of my favorites.
- Hobbies Outside of Work: I have two energetic kids who love the outdoors and board games, a lot of my free time revolves around keeping up with them – and I’ve come to truly enjoy these moments. It’s become a great way to unwind and stay connected as a family. When things quiet down, I also enjoy reading.
Guilherme Leal | Operations Director, Proper Marine
Can you give us a glimpse into your day-to-day life at Proper Marine?
I’m responsible for ensuring Proper Marine operates efficiently and delivers high-quality results across all areas – from strategic planning to technical execution. My day-to-day involves leading teams, overseeing project performance, addressing technical challenges, and continuously seeking improvements in our engineering processes and client delivery. It’s a dynamic role, and no two days are ever quite the same.
What inspired you to join your profession?
Although I grew up in the mountains and spent much of my early life surrounded by nature and forest landscapes, I was always drawn to the sea and the unknown. What truly sparked my interest was learning that we actually understand less about our oceans than we do about outer space. That curiosity quickly turned into a deep interest in marine engineering – a field that combines technical challenge, exploration, and real-world impact.
Can you share with us something exciting that you are currently working on?
One exciting project I’m currently involved in is the development of a tool that combines digital twin technology with global FEA analysis to support life extension of FPSOs. Beyond creating tailored solutions for this purpose, the project has pushed us to rethink and improve the way we approach structural analysis – making it smarter, faster, and more integrated. It’s also given us a real “skin in the game” perspective, as we’ve worked closely with operational data and seen first-hand how these insights can drive better decisions and long-term value.
Looking ahead, what do you think is key to driving sustainability in your industry?
In my opinion, the key to driving sustainability in our industry is extending the life of existing assets in a safe and efficient way. Instead of focusing solely on new builds, we can generate real environmental and economic value by improving how we inspect, monitor, and manage what’s already in place. The integration of digital tools — such as condition-based monitoring, digital twins, and data-driven strategies — plays a crucial role in reducing waste, optimizing maintenance, and making offshore operations more sustainable over the long term.
Besides work, what do you enjoy most about working within the ABL Group?
What I’ve enjoyed most so far is the opportunity to connect with colleagues from all over the world. Since Proper Marine joined the ABL Group, we’ve had new faces visiting our office, great conversations over coffee, and plenty of cultural exchange – both in work and casual moments. It’s been really rewarding to start building those global bridges and feel part of a much bigger, diverse team.
