General

Infraspeak Awards have once again recognised DouroAzul, for the 6th consecutive year, consolidating the teams’ work in operational efficiency and excellence in maintenance management. In 2026, this recognition carries particular meaning: this time, DouroAzul received the Silver Award.

More than a sign of strong internal performance, this distinction reflects DouroAzul’s clear commitment to a reliable, predictable operation, because onboard, maintenance is a strategic pillar that helps ensure guests always find everything they need working as it should, without interruptions.

What the Infraspeak Awards are

Infraspeak awards recognise Facility Management (FM) and Maintenance organisations that achieve strong results through the use of the Infraspeak platform. The focus is on continuous improvement, operational consistency and process quality, rewarding teams that turn day-to-day management into sustainable results.

Silver Award in 2026: a milestone for DouroAzul

In 2026, DouroAzul received the Silver Award in the category “Most Efficient FM Operation”, reinforcing its position as a reference in the river cruise sector.

This award recognises FM teams that stood out throughout 2025 for:

– operational efficiency;

– continuous process improvement;

– maintaining high quality standards.

In an operation where every detail matters, these factors have a direct impact on the guest experience: fewer failures, more comfort, higher equipment availability, and a smoother journey, from embarkation to disembarkation.

Maintenance as part of the service strategy

At DouroAzul, maintenance is not only a technical function: it is part of the service strategy. By strengthening prevention and operational discipline, the company supports a more consistent operation, reducing unexpected issues and ensuring the onboard experience remains at the expected level.

This approach helps teams anticipate needs, standardise routines, and act quickly with traceability, ensuring quality does not depend on chance, but on well-defined processes carried out every day.

Technology supporting continuous improvement

The effective use of the Infraspeak platform has contributed to relevant gains in productivity and operational management, supporting continuous improvement and the maintenance of high quality standards in daily operations.

By digitising routines and centralising information, technology strengthens the ability to plan, monitor and optimise, freeing time for what matters most: keeping operations reliable and consistent, without compromising the guest experience.

Ceremony at IFM Summit Lisboa 2026

The award ceremony took place on 19 February, during IFM Summit Lisboa 2026, at the Centro de Congressos do Estoril. On behalf of DouroAzul, the award was received by Nuno Carrilho.

With this new distinction at the Infraspeak Awards, DouroAzul reaffirms its commitment to innovation and to continuously raising efficiency and service standards in the river cruise sector, with an additional milestone in 2026: winning its first Silver Award.

Católica Porto Business School has formalised the signing of a partnership agreement with MysticInvest Holding, granting the company Prestige Partner status within the School’s Corporate Club. This agreement strengthens the strategic relationship between the School and a leading Portuguese holding company, highlighting a shared commitment to excellence in executive education and talent development.

This collaboration aligns with Católica Porto Business School’s mission to bring academic knowledge closer to the realities of organisations, fostering value creation and strengthening the bridge between universities and businesses.

According to João Pinto, Dean of Católica Porto Business School:

“Partnering with MysticInvest Holding is a unique opportunity to bring our students and executive programmes closer to the business world. This collaboration enables us to reinforce value creation and prepare leaders who combine academic rigour with outstanding professional practice.”

With operations in Portugal, Germany and the United States, MysticInvest Holding is the market leader in Douro river cruises and an international reference in ocean expeditions, from the Arctic to Antarctica. The Group invests in next-generation ships with high energy efficiency and a strong commitment to sustainability, and brings together brands such as Atlas Ocean Voyages, DouroAzul, Mystic Cruises, Mystic Ocean and Nicko Cruises.

The signing ceremony was attended by Paula Paz Ferreira, Executive Board Member of MysticInvest Holding, and Ana Teotónio Pereira, Director of Marketing and Communication. Representing Católica Porto Business School were João Pinto, Sara Pacheco, Executive Coordinator of the Executive MBA, and Pedro Carneiro, Head of the Dean’s Office.

Paula Paz Ferreira commented:

“We are very excited to join Católica Porto Business School’s Corporate Club as a Prestige Partner. This collaboration is a strategic investment in talent development and closer engagement with the academic ecosystem. It allows us to share our business experience, actively contribute to students’ development and, at the same time, strengthen critical capabilities that accelerate the execution of our strategy and support our growth ambitions.”

This agreement marks another step in Católica Porto Business School’s strategy to build partnerships that enhance practical learning, innovation and the development of leaders prepared for the challenges of the global market, strengthening the connection between students and real-world business opportunities.