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Thinking and Boosting Brazilian Shipbuilding, Hidrovias do Brasil Signs a New Agreement for Construction of Electric Push Boats with the Belov Shipyard in Bahia
Hidrovias do Brasil has signed a new contract with Belov Engenharia for the construction of two electric push boats at the company’s shipyard in Bahia. According to Hidrovias do Brasil, the use of this technology in push boats will be different from anything previously presented worldwide, and is expected to reduce pollutant gas emissions.
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Respectively, the units are scheduled for delivery in September and December 2022. The company plans to gradually replace its conventional push boats at the Bahia shipyard with electric and more sustainable models.
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Electric Push Boats and Their Efficiency in the Market
The technology proposes to reduce gas emissions through hybrid generation with electric batteries, which will replace conventional diesel propulsion at the shipyards. Even with this replacement, the push boats at the Bahia shipyard will not lose efficiency and have the potential for better utilization of renewable electrical energy.
The expectation for the use of these new models by Hidrovias do Brasil is to reduce emissions by approximately 2,168 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year. The vessels built at the Bahia shipyard will be named Poraquê and Enguia, names of fish found in the Amazon region, and will be certified by DNV and integrated by Weg.
Words from Hidrovias do Brasil
According to Mariana Yoshioka, Innovation and Engineering Director at Hidrovias do Brasil, the model will operate in a sustainable and significantly meaningful manner for inland waterway transport. Studies on the model, which will be built in Bahia, began in 2018 and the project was finalized last year.
She states that the choice of push boats for this project for the transition to clean energy was due to them being vessels that are constantly used with longer emissions. Furthermore, they operate in proximity to ports and the population. She also states that the push boat can be used in a 100% electric manner, without using diesel in any of these short-cycle operations.
The Construction at Belov Shipyard in Bahia
According to Juracy Vilas-Bôas, Managing Partner of Belov Engenharia, the contract for the construction of the vessels is a significant boost for the company to invest in its facilities in Bahia for the construction of other vessels.
He mentioned that the company accepted the challenge of building the world’s first waterjet propulsion boats. Now, it will build the first electric push boats on the planet.
Belov Engenharia
Founded in 1981, Belov Engenharia offers its partners experience in various fields of Port and Underwater Engineering. Over the years, it has developed and presented innovative techniques and solutions to its clients.
Belov’s work includes the design and construction of ports for large ships, structural recovery works (including submerged), underwater inspection activities, diving services, underwater welding, complex underwater constructions, and various offshore engineering and service works, as well as ROV and hydrographic services.
Its engineers, technicians, divers, and ROV pilots are experts in projects, execution, consulting, and advisory in the works and services of their specialty.
Its base in Rio de Janeiro, covering 180,000 m², is primarily dedicated to the oil and gas industry, operating in offshore oil fields, focusing on engineering services, inspection, and maintenance, solidly catering to this demanding market.
Its branch in Bahia, located in the most sheltered area of Baía de Todos os Santos, has an area of 70,000 m², with all the infrastructure to meet the demands of its port works, underwater structures, heavy metal structures, as well as the manufacture of jackets and modules for oil exploration and production units. This branch also houses its division for machines, equipment, and various vessels.
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