During the 64th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Merchant Marine Fund, held last Thursday (8), four projects were approved, totaling R$ 953.2 million. The funds contemplate initiatives in the state of Bahia for the construction of 13 vessels and have the potential to generate 750 direct jobs.
River push boats, harbor tugs, and cargo barges, as well as maritime support vessels, will be built at the Belov Offshore Industrial shipyard, in Simões Filho, in the Metropolitan Region of Salvador.
The largest amount, R$ 402.7 million, corresponds to the LHG Logística project for the construction of four river push boats, with an estimated 300 direct jobs and a four-year execution period.
The vessels will be used for transporting minerals along the Paraguay and Paraná rivers, between Corumbá (MS) and Nueva Palmira, in Uruguay.
At this destination, the cargo will be transferred to long-haul ships for export. Although the operation takes place outside the Northeast, the construction in Bahia connects the region's naval industry to the mining logistics chain.
Two projects by SAAM Towage Brasil total R$ 343.85 million for the construction of six harbor tugs, with an estimated 300 direct jobs.
One of the proposals includes four tugs, with an investment of R$ 223.35 million and an execution period of 36 months. The other foresees R$ 120.5 million for the construction, within 18 months, of two vessels equipped with engines with lower carbon dioxide emissions.
Tugs assist in the maneuvering of ships for docking and undocking and contribute to the safety of port operations. The projects do not specify in which ports the vessels will be used.
Belov Engenharia had a project approved for R$ 206.7 million for the construction of three vessels intended to expand its fleet. The proposal foresees 150 direct jobs and an execution period of 20 months.
Two 60-meter barges for general cargo transport and maritime support will be built, in addition to a self-elevating barge, used in maritime support operations and offshore activities. The project does not inform the locations where these vessels will operate.
By supporting the construction of vessels in Bahia, the Merchant Marine Fund strengthens the industrial base of the Northeast. In addition to the foreseen jobs, production can stimulate the hiring of suppliers and services and the circulation of income in the region.
This public policy contributes to expanding the productive capacity of Brazilian shipyards and stimulating professional qualification. The execution of the projects allows the Northeastern naval industry to meet the needs of different production chains, even when the vessels are destined for operations in other regions.
