The keel laying ceremony for the Tamandaré frigate took place on March 24th at thyssenkrupp Estaleiro Brasil Sul in Itajaí, Santa Catarina, a significant event for both the Brazilian Navy and Águas Azuis, a special purpose entity (SPE) formed by thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, Embraer Defense & Security, and Atech.
Ships of the Tamandaré Class Frigates Program (PFCT) can be assembled in blocks thanks to technological advances in engineering and cutting-edge manufacturing methods. An essential structural block, representing the forward engine room, was placed at the building site of the Tamandaré frigate, the first of the four ships in the PFCT, during the keel-laying ceremony.
Oliver Burkhard, the chief executive officer of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, stated, “We will provide the Brazilian Navy with high-end frigates that combine cutting-edge naval technology, innovation, and robust combat capabilities. These frigates will significantly contribute to Brazil’s national security by protecting the Amazônia Azul and beyond.”
The modular construction method allows for the installation of foundations and equipment in advance, as well as the separation of tasks so that each unit can be worked on independently before being brought together at the end. Keeping areas accessible for longer during construction also improves worker safety.
A large number of printed documents, including drawings, procedures, and manuals, are traditionally used to develop projects of this scale. This results in a high volume of copies and frequent updates. The shipyard has adopted a “Paperless” methodology for engineering projects, which involves digitizing all paper drawings used in the frigate’s assembly process.
The Brazilian Navy expects to receive the frigate Tamandaré at the end of 2025, following an anticipated launch in mid-2024. Later this year, the hull plate for the second Tamandaré-class frigate will be cut.
