thyssenkrupp Marine Systems – based in Kiel, Germany – has just signed the contract to acquire the Oceana shipyard (Itajaí/SC) from Aliança S.A., a company belonging to the CBO Group, a leader in offshore support vessels and one of the largest employers of qualified maritime professionals in the Brazilian market.
The agreement creates the initial basis for the construction of the Tamandaré Class frigates for the Brazilian Navy, as well as for the company’s further growth in the country. The operation is subject to approval by the antitrust authorities and the official entry into force of the frigate contract – scheduled for mid-2020. The acquisition will then be executed through the Brazilian subsidiary thyssenkrupp Marine Systems do Brasil. By agreement, the value of the transaction will not be disclosed.
“Even in difficult times like these, we continue with determination and stand strongly by our customers’ side. With Oceana, we have an excellent infrastructure for the construction of the most modern frigate in the country for the Brazilian Navy. The acquisition highlights our commitment to Brazil and will be an important economic factor, especially these days. The shipyard also offers us the prospect of taking on orders from other customers, not only locally, but also in other South American countries,” says Dr. Rolf Wirtz, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
The Oceana shipyard was created in 2013 for the production of high quality and technology offshore support vessels and is ideal for large scale projects. In the next two years, 800 local workers will be recruited for the Tamandaré Class project alone. This means that ships with high national added value can be built in Brazil. The delivery of the ships is scheduled for the period between 2025 and 2028.
Águas Azuis is a special purpose partnership established between thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (leader), Embraer Defense & Security and Atech and will be responsible for the execution of the four frigates.