by Liz Nunes
On Tuesday (17), the Minister of Defense, José Mucio Monteiro, took part in the keel-laying ceremony of the Polar Ship “Almirante Saldanha”, in Espírito Santo. The event marks the start of construction of the first polar ship produced in Brazil, to increase research activities on the Antarctic continent and the study of natural phenomena that impact Brazil. The project, led by the Brazilian Navy (MB) and coordinated by Empresa Gerencial de Projetos Navais (EMGEPRON), has already generated around 6,600 direct and indirect jobs. In his speech, Minister José Mucio highlighted the benefits that the defense industry generates for the country. “I have repeated that the resources earmarked for defense are not expenses, but investments, which bring with them highly qualified jobs, higher incomes, increased revenue and technological development,” he said.
The Polar Vessel “Almirante Saldanha” is part of the Program for Obtaining Hydroceanographic and Antarctic Support Resources (Prohidro), which provides ships for use in polar waters. When it joins the Naval Force, scheduled for the second half of 2025, the ship will increase logistical support for the Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station and boost scientific research activities on the southern continent.
The Defense Minister also emphasized the importance of scientific research in Antarctica. “By the way, it is worth remembering that research activities on the Antarctic continent provide better monitoring of the natural phenomena that affect Brazil, such as the extreme weather events we have witnessed, ranging from the severe drought in the Amazon to the heavy rains in the south of the country, where they all have in common the strong impact on economic activities, the traces of destruction in our cities and, as a consequence, the suffering of our people,” he said.
The ship will be around 103 meters long, with autonomy for 70 days and a crew of 95 people, including 26 researchers.
Photos: Victor Chagas