AMA BRASIL acquires support vessels for the production of seaweed from the ALGAMAR and PROALGAS

The production of marine algae, specifically of the species Kapapaphycus alvarezii, has been successful in Brazil for just over 2 decades, being an economic and social opportunity for the caiçara populations located on the coast of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Santa Catarina. For this reason, AMA BRASIL has been working on the ALGAMAR project for the licensing of production areas, which is being accomplished in partnership with COOPERAQUA, created with the objective of bringing together producers in the North Coast region of São Paulo, always with the support from the Coastal Agency, which has encouraged this initiative since its embryonic stage and was responsible for the development of the PROALGA project, also now being licensed.

While the projects are licensed on the Federal Government platforms, there is a need to implant some operational steps that will support production. The president of AMA BRASIL, Hermann Palmeira, has been working on a solution with project partners, for the acquisition of a medium-sized vessel, this being a key point. Having been sought from among more than a hundred options, what could be the ideal model was reached. After refurbishment assessments and budgets, the support boat was purchased and will be reformed for fieldwork that should begin shortly.

Located in the deserted beach neighbourhood, in São Sebastião, SP, the inspection for the acquisition of the vessel “Apoio 3” was carried out by Master Ordálio Ferreira, experienced owner and executor of construction and renovation of vessels, who will also be involved in the executive phase of renovation and adaptations. After evaluation of the budget, the next steps will be taken in a few days, in an onshore operation at its shipyard on the Juqueriquerê River, in the Porto Novo neighbourhood in Caraguatatuba SP, where all phases of interventions and adaptations for reforming will be accomplished within the next four months.

The boat/whaling type vessel registered with the name APOIO 3 will be renamed "AMA BRASIL 1" with a length of 9.67m, a beam of 3.10m (maximum width), depth of 1.24m, draft 0.40m light and 0.50m loaded, designed to operate with a 90hp centre motor. Information about the progress and execution of this and other AMA BRASIL projects will be posted on this website, so be sure to update your application to receive periodic news.