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Brazilian Navy spent R$37,2 million to sink decommissioned aircraft carrier São Paulo, which had been sold for R$10 million
For decades, the aircraft carrier São Paulo symbolized the naval power of the Brazilian Navy. But what was supposed to be a dismantling operation turned into a environmental and financial scandal, culminating in its sinking 5 thousand meters deep. As a ship sold for R$ 10 million ended up generating a cost of more than R$ 37 million to be destroyed?
The controversial decision of Brazil's navy raises questions about planning, waste of resources and environmental risks. Understand the behind-the-scenes of this controversial operation and the consequences for the future of the Brazilian fleet!
The controversial operation to sink the aircraft carrier
The decision to sink the São Paulo generated enormous repercussions. The aircraft carrier, disabled for years, was sold for just R$10 million for a Turkish shipyard specializing in ship dismantling. However, a succession of events led to the return of the vessel to Brazil and forced the navy to take responsibility for the hull again.
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Without a viable destination and accumulating high costs, the Brasilian Navy opted for controlled sinking of São Paulo in February 2023. The operation mobilized 298 military and had a total cost of R $ million 37,2, a value much higher than that raised from the original sale.
The area chosen for the shipwreck was analyzed by Navy Hydrographic Center, being located in deep waters, outside the Brazilian exclusive economic zone, to minimize environmental impacts. However, the decision did not please environmentalists and experts, who warned about the risks of asbestos, highly toxic material present in the ship's hull.
From military promise to environmental problem: the history of São Paulo
O aircraft carrier São Paulo had a remarkable past. Built in France in the 1950s, it was named Foch and served at french navy for decades. During his career, he participated in operations in Middle East and Africa, in addition to nuclear tests in the Pacific.
In 2000, Brazil acquired the vessel for $12M monthly, betting on its modernization to strengthen its naval force. However, just five years later, a fire seriously compromised its operations. Since then, successive attempts at recovery have failed, and in 2017, the Navy decided to deactivate it.
With the decision to withdraw it from service, the hull was sold to Turkish shipyard Sök Denizcilik in 2021. The company, certified for marine recycling, planned to dismantle it for scrap. But when the ship left Rio de Janeiro bound for Türkiye, a new problem has emerged: Turkish authorities blocked the entry of the aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean due to the presence of asbestos in its structure.
Without authorization to land in Türkiye, the São Paulo was forced to return to Brazil, starting a journey with no defined destination.
Six months adrift: the impasse over São Paulo's fate
around the aircraft carrier to Brazil created a major legal and logistical dilemma. As the hull had already been sold, the responsibility passed to the MSK Maritime, the company in charge of towing. However, given the difficulties and high costs, the company abandoned ownership of the vessel, leaving the problem in the hands of Brasilian Navy.
Without a port willing to receive it, the ship spent six months sailing aimlessly on the coast of Pernambuco. The situation generated environmental concerns and safety risks, leading authorities to seek a definitive solution.
The increasing cost of maintenance and environmental hazard have caused the navy took the drastic decision to sink it. Despite protests from environmental organizations, the fate of the São Paulo was sealed.
Sinking of São Paulo: R$37,2 million for public coffers
O sinking of Sao Paulo it was one complex operation, requiring great logistical planning and military security. The process involved more than 290 military personnel and resulted in a final cost of R $ million 37,2, a value considered high for a ship that had already been sold for R$ 10 million.
Critics point out that the Lack of planning resulted in a significant waste of public resources. The fact that the hull had already been sold and, even so, returned to Brazil generated a loss that could have been avoided.
The biggest environmental concern involved the asbestos, a carcinogenic material widely used in ancient ships. Although the navy have ensured that the area chosen for the shipwreck was safe, experts warn of the risks of long-term marine contamination.
Revolution in the Brazilian Navy: government wants to build a nuclear aircraft carrier by 2040
The sinking of the São Paulo marked the end of an era for the Brasilian Navy. Without an aircraft carrier to operate its fighters A-4 Skyhawk, which come from the Vietnam War, Brazil now depends on the Atlantic helicopter carrier, acquired from british royal navy.
However, plans for the future of the naval force are ambitious. Recently, the Brazilian government announced a project to develop a nuclear aircraft carrier by 2040. If realized, the new ship would represent a technological leap and would place Brazil among the few countries in the world with this type of vessel.
With deactivation of Sao Paulo, Brazil's navy faces a new challenge: modernizing its fleet and recovering its capacity to project force in the Atlantic. The sinking of the aircraft carrier brought lessons on the management of large vessels, but also left a warning about the importance of logistical and environmental planning in operations of this size.
What do you think of the decision of Brazil's navy to sink the aircraft carrier São Paulo? Was it the best solution or a waste of resources? Leave your opinion in the comments! ⬇️🚢
They didn't even build the nuclear submarine.
What about an aircraft carrier?
Without an aircraft carrier, the Navy's only A4 Skyhawk squadron was left on the ground, unable to fulfill its role of accompanying the flotilla. Buy another aircraft carrier or transfer it to the FAB.
Clowning!! Washing!!! Just for the English to see!!! And so the price of coffee! Price of fuel!! The poor are just getting screwed!! Living off erratic socialism, while those who **** and love communism, live enjoying capitalism at the expense of Brazil!! Wake up Brazil!!!