Alexandre Rocha*
São Paulo – Shipyard Companhia Câmara Construções Navais, from the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, and Russian company ATTK have created a joint venture for production of boats known as Ekranoplans or Aquaglide, developed in Russia. In reality the crafts are flying boats, which look like aeroplanes from the outside and flies a small distance off the surface of the water, but not far into the air. The new company, also baptized Aquaglide, should be installed in Guaíba, in the metropolitan region of state capital Porto Alegre.
On Thursday (13) the president of Cia Câmara, Geraldo Câmara, signed a protocol of intentions for installation of the factory with the governor of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Germano Rigotto. This is due to the fact that the plot of land to be used for the enterprise belongs to the state. The form of the concession of the 60-hectare area, however, has not been defined.
What is already known, according to the government of the state of Rio Grande do Sul and to Cia Câmara, is that the plant should receive investment of US$ 35 million, which may rise to US$ 80 million in three years. It is estimated that 100 direct jobs may be generated in the beginning, and the number of employees may rise as high as 600 in three years.
The first model to be produced in Brazil, called A-5, has a capacity for the transport of five passengers. According to Fábio Marçal, an administrative assistant working for Geraldo Câmara, it should cost around US$ 600,000 in Brazil and, due to the price, will be mainly for "corporate" and "government" use. According to him, the company already has an order portfolio of 15 crafts.
The rivers of the Amazon, in northern Brazil, for example, are considered ideal for the use of this kind of craft. "But they may be used on any kind of water, be it freshwater or sea water," stated Marçal.
The first two units should be ready by the inauguration of the production line, scheduled for eight months time. If everything works out fine, the installation of the plant should begin in February next year, and production in June. The forecast is that 15 units should be produced per year. Currently, Cia Câmara produces luxury boats for export in the city of Novo Hamburgo, close to the state capital.
Speed
A-5 is equipped with a 420 hp Mercedes-Benz engine that moves two propellers, each one located on one side of the vessel. According to Marçal, the Ekranoplan may reach a speed of 170 km/h and glide 20 cm above the surface of the water. It can also move on hard ground, but only for parking.
Marçal added that another model, with a capacity for 60 passengers, is currently being tested in Russia. This craft may also be adapted for cargo transport, carrying up to seven 20-foot containers.
Contacts
Cia Câmara Construções Navais
Tel: (+55 51) 3587-9602
E-mail: cia.camara@ciacamara.com.br
Site: www.ciacamara.com.br
*Translated by Mark Ament
