English 
Spanish 
4 min read
1 comments
The Brazilian Navy's iconic aircraft carrier São Paulo was sunk in the Atlantic after facing a series of diplomatic, environmental and operational obstacles. At a cost of R$37,2 million, the operation sparked criticism over the risks of asbestos and the high public expenditure. The decision raised doubts about the viability and sustainability of the Navy's actions.
In a surprising and controversial decision, Brazil said goodbye to one of its most emblematic symbols of naval power.
The aircraft carrier São Paulo, a former giant of the Brazilian fleet, ended its days at the bottom of the Atlantic. Sunk in February 2023, 5 meters deep and 350 km off the Brazilian coast, the ship generated a sequence of events that involved environmental challenges, diplomatic obstacles and a million-dollar bill for the public coffers.
History and purchase of the aircraft carrier
São Paulo has a long history that dates back to France in the 1950s, where it was built under the name Foch.
- Argentine Air Force receives the first of many: The F-16 arrives after decades of waiting and marks the return of supersonic capability
- TU-160, the colossal titanium supersonic jet that dominates the skies: the Air Force's nuclear 'White Swan' breaks limits with 2.200 km/h and impresses the world!
- Brazilian Navy launches campaign after million-dollar cuts and faces criticism over privileges in military career
- Work in the Navy WITHOUT a public exam and earn up to R$9,5K! Vacancies are available for people up to 62 years old in areas such as Technology, electrical, mechanical, health, administration and much more! Applications close TODAY
Alongside the French Navy, it participated in important operations, including nuclear tests in the Pacific and missions in the Middle East and Africa.
In 2000, Brazil acquired the aircraft carrier for US$12 million with the aim of strengthening its naval presence.
However, in 2005, a fire marked the beginning of the vessel's decline, and, due to high maintenance costs and advanced age, the Brazilian Navy chose to deactivate it.
Sale for dismantling and unexpected costs
In the context of deactivation, the hull of the São Paulo was sold in 2021 to the Turkish shipyard Sök Denizcilik for R$10 million, which planned to dismantle and recycle it in Turkey.
The shipyard, certified for ship recycling, had experience in safe dismantling processes, but an unusual problem arose before the ship arrived in the Mediterranean.
According to Greater Porto Portal, Turkish authorities banned the entry of the aircraft carrier due to environmental concerns due to asbestos, a highly carcinogenic material used in its construction.
Diplomatic impasse and return to Brazil
Unable to dock in Turkey, the São Paulo began a journey without direction. The ship returned to Brazil, but faced new problems. Brazilian ports also refused to shelter the vessel, worsening the situation.
With nowhere to leave the São Paulo, the Brazilian Navy was forced to take back responsibility for the hull, and the ship began drifting off the coast of Pernambuco. For six months, the São Paulo sailed aimlessly until a final decision was made.
The environmental crisis and the impact of asbestos
The case has sparked intense environmental debate. Asbestos, widely used in old ships for its insulating properties, has become obsolete with advances in technology, but still poses a serious threat to health.
According to the Sociedade Militar Magazine, the material is carcinogenic and, when exposed to the environment, can contaminate the marine ecosystem and affect human health. This caused the impasse to worsen, and the Navy had to take drastic measures.
Final decision: sinking and high costs involved
In February 2023, the Brazilian Navy ordered the sinking of the São Paulo in an area considered safe.
As reported by Portal Grande Ponto, the Navy Hydrographic Center indicated a point 350 km from the coast, with a depth of more than 5 thousand meters, to minimize environmental risks.
However, the cost of the operation was surprising: R$37,2 million from public funds was spent to make the process viable, in addition to the involvement of 298 military personnel, according to the Brazilian Navy.
Costly operation and questions
The sale of the São Paulo brought in R$10 million for the Navy's coffers, but the total cost of sinking it exceeded that amount by almost four times.
The logistical complexity and handling of the vessel made the process more expensive than anticipated, raising questions about the effectiveness of the operations and the destination of the resources.
MSK Maritime, the company involved in transporting the São Paulo, reported losses of up to R$10 million, a sum that intensified the debate over the decision to sink the ship.
Environmental challenges persist
The São Paulo episode raises questions about environmental responsibility in military operations. Asbestos, even at 5 meters underground, still poses a risk.
Experts point out that the decomposition of material on the seabed can cause long-term damage to marine fauna and flora.
According to military sources, the sinking area was chosen to minimize this impact, but environmental activists continue to criticize the decision, arguing that a more sustainable solution could have been found.
The final journey of the aircraft carrier São Paulo demonstrates the complexity of the dismantling and recycling processes for large military vessels.
The decision to sink it ends a 23-year history of service in the Brazilian Navy, but raises questions about the country's preparedness to deal with environmental and operational challenges of this magnitude.
In addition to the millions in costs and environmental repercussions, the episode reveals a series of failures and the lack of suitable options for the ship's fate.
And you, do you think the Navy made the best decision for the fate of São Paulo, or do you believe that more sustainable alternatives could have been explored?
This is an absurd decision by these admirals, considering that China and Saudi Arabia presented a proposal to purchase the ship and assumed all the risks related to maritime transport and the treatment of asbestos with complete safety, but these scoundrel admirals did not agree, because they knew that in three or four years this ship would be presented fully modernized and ready for operation, as happened with the aircraft carrier that China bought from the Soviet Union, which was modernized, and now China is already on its third electromagnetic aircraft carrier. Now that is a serious nation and a serious navy.