The modernization of Brazil’s shipbuilding industry is intrinsically linked to employability, sustainability, and technological innovation. This study examines the impact of the blue economy and energy transition on workforce dynamics, emphasizing governance, technical training, and industrial adaptation as critical factors for sector competitiveness. Through a systematic literature review and case study analysis, this research identifies challenges hindering sector evolution, including fragmented regulations, underutilized shipyards, and limited vocational training programs. Bibliographic sources were selected based on their relevance to the maritime sector, prioritizing peer-reviewed scholarly works and technical reports indexed in databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, alongside official documents from regulatory institutions. Findings demonstrate that integrating technical education, sustainable policies, and industrial innovation is essential for Brazil’s adaptation to international maritime economy. Strengthening employability in shipyards through strategic investments and coordinated governance will enable Brazil to seize emerging opportunities in blue economy and energy transition. Additionally, the study underscores the critical role of investing in technical training to equip professionals with expertise in circular economy principles, low-carbon logistics, and efficient shipbuilding. Strengthening educational programs such as SENAI and ISI-ER will be essential in this process. Furthermore, collaborative governance and regulatory alignment with the Hong Kong Convention (IMO, Hong Kong convention: Hong Kong international convention for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships, 2009, with the guidelines for its implementation, 2013th edn. International Maritime Organization, 2009) could position Brazil as a global leader in maritime sustainability.