16 October 2023
Itajaí/ SC, October 16, 2023. Formed from the alliance of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, Embraer Defesa & Segurança and Atech, Águas Azuis announce reaching another importance milestone in the Programa Fragatas Classe Tamandaré (PFCT). As part of the construction process of the first frigate in thyssenkrupp Estaleiro Brasil Sul, in Itajaí (SC), Fragata Tamandaré -F200, it is highlighted the main engine, generators, reducer boxes and intermediate axis of the on-board propeller system positioning, as well as the building of four blocks, being two of them where the machine square is located and other two in the vessel energy generation square.
The installation of these equipment, as well as the conclusion of the hull weld, must occur in the first quarter of 2024. Thus, the prediction is that the launch of the first frigate Classe Tamandaré happens in the middle of this year”, tells Fernando Queiroz, CEO of Águas Azuis. In parallel, until the end of this year, the shipyard of thyssenkrupp will make the first plate cut in the hull of the second frigate.
The methodology of construction adopted by thyssenkrupp Estaleiro Brasil Sul predicts the production of the Fragatas Classe Tamandaré in blocks to be built later. Thus, it is possible to install accessories and foundations in an anticipated way, not only facilitating the equipment placement on board but also allowing works in various stages in a segregated way in each unit. The construction in modules also facilitates a lot the transfer of technology and know-how, contributing also for the reduction of maintenance costs and modernization throughout the life cycle of the vessel.
Conducted since 2017 by the Brazilian Navy, executed by Águas Azuis and managed by Empresa Gerencial de Projetos Navais (EMGEPRON), the PFCT is the most modern and innovative naval project developed in the country, predicting the construction, in national territory, of four warships of high technological complexity. The vessels must achieve the operational capacity to protect the Águas Jurisdicionais Brasileiras (AJB) generating transfer of technology and perpetual license, and promoting the local industry and the Naval Construction in the country. It is predicted that the Program, as a whole, may generate around 2 thousand direct jobs and 6 thousand indirect ones. More than 800 direct employees were already hired to work in the shipyard of thyssenkrupp in Itajaí. Among the main local supplier that contributed with its products and services in this phase of the Program, it is worth highlighting: Netzsch (pumps); Altona (cast); Cozil (kitchen); Ciltech (pressure vessels); Blastsul (thick and thin plate treatment); Usiminas (thick plates supply); Sauer do Brasil (start compressor); WEG (generators); Jotun (paint); Altona (vessel ladders).
About Águas Azuis
Águas Azuis is a special purpose company (SPE) established between thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, Embraer Defesa & Segurança and Atech, for the execution of Programa Fragatas Classe Tamandaré, for the Brazilian Navy. The three companies have a solid and long relationship with Brazil, in addition to strong presence in many other countries.
Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems is providing naval technology of its well-known platform of defense ship construction of Class MEKO®, already used in more than 80 vessels in operation in Marines of 16 countries, among them Portugal, Greece, Australia, Argentina and Algeria.
Embraer Defesa e Segurança is responsible for integrating sensors and weaponry to the combat system, incorporating to the Program its more than 50 years of experience in systems technology solutions and in-service support.
On the other hand Atech, company from Grupo Embraer, expert in engineering and system integration, is responsible for the development of the Combat Management System (CMS), of the Tactical Data Link and by the activities of integration and Tests of the combat system, in partnership with ATLAS ELEKTRONIK, subsidiary of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, and also Integration Platform Management System (IPMS), in partnership with L3Harris. Atech participates, in conjunction with the Brazilian Navy, of the Transfer of Technology process of these Systems, activity of great importance that will allow having access to the knowledge and tools to operate and maintain the frigate systems in the future.
October 16, 2023.
