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Brazilian Navigation Symbol Returns to the Waters After Million-Dollar Project in Pirapora (MG)
The Benjamin Guimarães, the last steamship in operation, has been completely restored by a shipyard in Navegantes, Santa Catarina. It was reopened on June 1, 2025, in the city of Pirapora, Minas Gerais.
With the official heritage designation by the State Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage (IEPHA-MG), the vessel resumes its role as a symbol of the São Francisco River and Brazilian naval memory.
The restoration process was led by the Santa Catarina Naval Industry (INC) and received direct support from the federal government.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, who highlighted the historical and cultural value of the vessel.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of its recovery for tourism and local identity.
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Project Integrates Actions of the New PAC
The revitalization of Benjamin Guimarães was part of the New Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), with a total investment of R$5.3 million. This amount was allocated through the Program for the Revitalization of Water Resources in the São Francisco and Parnaíba River Basins.
This project highlights the federal government’s commitment to preserving cultural and environmental assets simultaneously.
According to Alexandre Silveira, the project recaptures a landmark of national river transport and boosts the region’s tourism potential.
It had been abandoned for years, subject to deterioration.
Now, it returns as a protagonist in our history and local economy, emphasized the minister during the reopening ceremony.
A Century of History Preserved
The boat was built in 1913 in the United States. Initially, it operated on the Amazon River serving the Amazon River Plate Company.
In the 1920s, it began to navigate the São Francisco River, transporting passengers and goods between the cities of Pirapora (MG) and Juazeiro (BA).
From the 1980s, the vessel was exclusively used for tourism, offering tours along the Velho Chico.
Official recognition as a historical heritage site came in 1985. However, the steamship was decommissioned in 2014, after years of continuous use.
In 2020, the government announced its restoration, but interruptions delayed the project.
The government definitively resumed the works in September 2024.
This allowed the vessel to return to its cultural and tourism functions.
Santa Catarina Shipyard Completes Technical Reconstruction
The reconstruction of Benjamin Guimarães required high-level technical solutions, as reported by the Santa Catarina Naval Industry. According to the company, the restoration respected the originality of the century-old structure.
The restoration team maintained the characteristics of the steam propulsion system, as well as the historical specifications of the hull and internal components. Specialized technicians carried out the work with continuous supervision and permanent oversight from heritage agencies.
The company stated that “the restoration was a mission of historical responsibility and national pride.” This is because it involves the last example of this type of vessel still in operation worldwide.
A New Tourism Cycle for the São Francisco River
With the reopening of the vessel, the city of Pirapora also regains one of the main cultural attractions in the region.
Therefore, the government of Minas Gerais and the Ministry of Mines and Energy stated that the resumption of trips with the ship could consequently stimulate the local economy.
In this sense, the proposal is to promote sustainable development through river tourism and the environmental preservation of Velho Chico.
Moreover, according to the authorities, the maintenance of Benjamin Guimarães will be permanent. In fact, there are already plans to integrate the vessel into tourist routes connected with other regions of the state.
Likewise, the project also envisions partnerships with the educational sector.
Thus, the goal is to promote school visits and awareness campaigns about the history of navigation in Brazil.
Finally, the return of the last steamship in the world to the waters of Minas Gerais not only rescues an important chapter in Brazilian history but also rekindles interest in sustainable forms of appreciating heritage.
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