Brazilian Navy press release – Translated by Naval News
The event took place at Thyssenkrupp Estaleiro Brasil Sul (tkEBS) in Itajaí, Santa Catarina. The PFCT is regarded as the most innovative shipbuilding project ever developed in Brazil, involving local labor and technology transfer.
The frigate launched today possesses high combat power and is capable of protecting Brazil’s extensive maritime area, covering more than 5.7 million km², known as the ‘Blue Amazon.’ In addition to its defense capabilities, the frigate can conduct search and rescue operations, monitor and combat pollution, piracy, and illegal fishing, among other threats. It is also equipped to fulfill international commitments.
The event was attended by the President of the Republic, Luís Inácio Lula da Silva, the Minister of Defense, José Mucio Monteiro, the Commander of the Navy, Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, and other representatives of the admiralty and other authorities, as well as members of the defense industry and the scientific and technological community.
“The technological modernization of our Armed Forces and the strengthening of its Defense Industrial Base is a strategic initiative from the most diverse points of view: defense, economy, technology and international cooperation. This project, which brings together cutting-edge technology, is the result of a very well-built partnership between the Ministry of Defense and the Brazilian Navy with the Águas Azuis consortium.”
President of the Brazil, Luís Inácio Lula da Silva
Defense Minister José Mucio noted that he is pleased to see the results of initiatives by different segments of Brazilian society.
“There is no better proof of our capacity in terms of Defense than the delivery of the Tamandaré Class Frigates. This will enable the replacement of ships that have been in operation for over 40 years. This will materialize the urgent renewal of our Fleet. And this requirement to make the Navy more capable of defending Brazil’s interests at sea coincides with the confirmation of the immense volume of wealth to be protected for the Brazilian people in our Blue Amazon.”
José Mucio, Defense Minister
The PFCT aims to modernize the Brazilian Navy, enhancing its ability to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, while also promoting the growth of the national defense industry and the production chain required for shipbuilding on Brazilian soil. Throughout the program, more than 6,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created.
The Commander of the Navy, Admiral Olsen, emphasized the significance of the natural resources and immense economic potential within Brazilian jurisdictional waters. He noted that these factors provide a critical incentive for the State to maintain a naval force characterized by mobility, permanence, versatility, and flexibility. “Brazil cannot thrive without the organized use of its vast maritime domain—a coastline of approximately 7,500 km along the Atlantic Ocean, through which approximately 95 percent of its foreign trade flows,” he stated.
SPE Águas Azuis is a consortium formed by thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, Embraer Defense and Security, and Atech. The PFCT is managed by the Naval Project Management Company (EMGEPRON). Since the contract with the Navy was signed in March 2020, significant progress has been made in construction activities, adhering to the established schedule. The construction of the Frigate ‘Tamandaré’ began in September 2022, with delivery to the Navy expected by the end of 2025.
Frigate “Tamandaré”, the F200
The Frigate ‘Tamandaré’ has a displacement of approximately 3,500 tons and is equipped with a flight deck, helicopter hangar, radars, sensors, and state-of-the-art weaponry. As an escort ship, it boasts significant combat capabilities, allowing it to operate in all warfare environments: surface, air, and submarine. One of its primary missions is to protect high-value units while operating within a task group composed of ships with varying characteristics.
Around 130 personnel are expected to work on the F200, who are already undergoing specialized training, so that everyone is ready to operate the vessel safely and efficiently.
Naval tradition: Christening
The launching ceremony is the moment when the ship receives its official name. The Frigate ‘Tamandaré’ lends its name to the class: ‘Tamandaré,’ in honor of Admiral Joaquim Marques Lisboa, the Marquis of Tamandaré. He is the Patron of the Brazilian Navy and played a crucial role in defending the nation during several significant conflicts, including the Cisplatine War and the War of the Triple Alliance.
In keeping with naval tradition, and to attract good luck and protection for the ship and its crew, Mrs. Vera Brennand, wife of the Minister of Defense, christened the Frigate by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine against its hull during the traditional christening (or baptism) ceremony.
The tradition of ship baptism dates back to ancient rituals practiced by the Vikings, Romans, Greeks, and Babylonians. This perspective places the ceremony of launching a ship into the sea within a long history, where a godmother christens the vessel and it receives its official name.
Next steps for F200
In modern shipbuilding projects like those in the PFCT, the ship is launched into the sea through a process called ‘load out.’ This involves moving the vessel to a floating dock, followed by the controlled immersion of the platform until the ship is supported by the water. This complex procedure will occur over the next few days. After this stage, the frigate will be moved to the dock for necessary finishing and testing before proceeding to sea trials.
About the “Tamandaré” Class Frigates Program
The program includes the transfer of technology for handling and manufacturing ships using thin steel plates, as well as block production for later assembly. This approach allows for the pre-installation of accessories and foundations, facilitates the placement of equipment on board, and enables work to be conducted in different stages in a segmented manner for each unit. Additionally, this process enhances employee safety by maintaining open spaces for longer periods during construction.
Furthermore, the PFCT utilizes paperless technology, aiming for a fully digital development process and eliminating paper from the production line, thereby promoting environmental preservation. The project includes the management of the ship’s entire life cycle, encompassing investments from construction through to disposal.
All vessels will be produced in Brazil, with high levels of local content and technology transfer, which increase national shipbuilding and foster the Defense Industrial Base. By building the vessels in Itajaí, Santa Catarina, the MB made it possible to reactivate a shipyard, rehiring professionals and generating more jobs and income for the region.
The Frigates are an important reinforcement in the protection of the more than five million km² of our Blue Amazon. The main oil and gas exploration platforms in Brazil are located at sea; the majority of national production is exported by sea and it is also by sea that many Brazilians earn their livelihood and income through fishing and tourism.
The four frigates will be delivered to the Brazilian Navy gradually, between 2025 and 2029.
Frigate “Jerônimo de Albuquerque”, the second vessel of the program, is already under construction
In June 2024, the Keel Laying Ceremony of the Frigate “Jerônimo de Albuquerque” (F-201) was held , which also marked the advancement of the PFCT. The construction of the frigates is done using blocks, which are assembled separately and then joined together, giving shape to the ship. In this case, the laying is characterized by the positioning of one of these blocks in its construction site.
The second Frigate of the Program, scheduled for delivery in 2027, is named Jerônimo de Albuquerque, in honor of the first Brazilian born to command a Naval Force to defend Brazil. He was one of the heroes of the conquest of Maranhão.
Technical information of the Frigate Tamandaré:
– Length: 107.2m
– Beam: 15.95m
– Depth (height): 20.2m
– Displacement: 3,380 tons
– Range: 5,500 nautical miles
– Speed: 25 knots (equivalent to approximately 47 km/h)
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