The delivery from Brunvoll comprises a variety of their own products and from their partners. Low noise and vibration levels arecrucial for conducting scientific research onboard an oceangoing vessel. Utilizing a fixed pitch propeller configuration with electrical motors directly coupled to the propeller shafts helps reduce noise and vibration levels from the main propulsion while ensuring high energy efficiency. To achieve the required redundancy for Antarctic exploration, a twin-screw arrangement is employed. Additionally, the delivery includes rudders with Integrated Costa Propulsion(ICP) and steering gears from partners.
Furthermore, two Rim-Driven Tunnel Thrusters will be installed in the aft, while the bow of the vessel will feature two waterjets which are outside of Brunvoll’s scope. All the propulsion and maneuvering gear will be tied together in Brunvoll’s Propulsion and Thruster Control System (BruCon PTC), which will feature BruCon DP2 with joystick.
The vessel is going to be named “Almirante Saldanha” and will supply Brazil's Antarctic research stations and conduct ocean research. It is designed in collaboration between Singaporean company Seatrium Ltd (formerly known as Sembcorp Marine Ltd) and Canadian company Robert Allen Ltd.
The construction of the vessel will take place at Estaleiro Jurong Aracruz LTDA in Brazil and it is expected to commence operations in the third quarter of2025. The main specifications of the vessel include a length of 103.16 meters and a breadth of 18.5 meters, conforming to the polar class notation PC6. With a cruising speed of 12 knots, the vessel will have an endurance of 70 days to accommodate its crew of 95, which includes 26 scientists
"Brunvoll has established a strong presence in Brazil today. One crucial factor contributing to this success has been the diversification of their product range, including the Integrated Costa Propulsion (ICP), dynamic positioning system, and the rim-driven tunnel thruster. Brunvoll has proven to be the natural choice for Estaleiro Jurong Aracruz and the Brazilian Navy.
After five years of inactivity, the shipbuilding industry in Brazil is finally showing signs of recovery. There is a high expectation for several orders for various types of vessels to be placed in different shipyards in the near future", says Jose Carlos M Guimaraes, speaking on behalf of Macnor Marine, Brunvoll's sales and service agent in Brazil.
