Saab bets on introducing composite shipbuilding technologies in Brazil

Saab Kockums shipyard was one of the exhibiting companies at Navalshore 2022, a shipbuilding exhibition held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between August 16 and 18.

Specializing in shipbuilding and repair, the shipyard is based in Malmö and has shipyards in Karlskrona and Muskö, Sweden.

“We are at NavalShore 2022 associated with the Rio de Janeiro Shipbuilding Cluster, along with other companies that are part of this initiative, to expand conversations and partnerships that contribute to the development of the national maritime market,” said Pieter Verbeek, senior director of business development at Saab do Brasil.

“We also intend to introduce composite shipbuilding technology in Brazil, with an emphasis on minehunters, a type of ship that the current conflict in Ukraine has shown to be essential to ensure the free movement of goods by sea,” he added.

Verbeek cites the company’s experience building various vessels for practice services, medical emergencies, rescues, and inland water and port facility security.

“The Combat Boat CB90s have already been tested in the Amazon, by the Army, and by the Marine Corps. It is a very versatile vessel for landings and special forces actions and can be manufactured in Brazil if there is sufficient demand,” he assured.

As for the military naval industry, Verbeek said he had seen the awakening of a new cycle in Brazil with the contracting of the new frigates for the Navy. “Saab is betting that this contract will trigger the construction of new ships in national shipyards, opening opportunities for other products, such as surveillance and fire direction radars.”

Saab presented some solutions and technologies, such as composite material used for the construction of warships and superstructures of various types of ships, with the advantage of weight reduction and savings in maintenance.

“The shipyard employs this technology in constructing Mine Fighter systems, which include not only the ship but also the Saab SeaEye military and commercial unmanned vehicles,” Verbeek said.

SeaEye produces electric and unmanned robotic underwater vehicles in the Brazilian oil and gas market.

“There are already ten systems operating in various situations and services here in the country. Worldwide, Saab has been a pioneer in the offshore sector and has already delivered more than 900 units. Its vehicles are also frequently used for scientific research, military applications, and observation inspection and environmental work,” the executive highlighted.

With information from InfoDefensa