Brazil News
RIO DE JANEIRO – Brazil’s defense minister said Monday that the country is taking steps toward rebuilding its Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station, reported online media. Fire destroyed the scientific station killing two service members last February.
Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station Plans
Defense Minister Celso Amorim said that crews would start removing debris from the fire in October and start building the new facility in Nov. 2013. The Navy will send three ships to the frozen continent as well as a ship contracted to aid in the cleanup and reconstruction.
“In the next month, with the end of winter on the continent, our ships leave to begin work dismantling the parts of the base affected by the fire, with full respect for the rules of environmental protection,” said Amorim at a meeting of the Latin American Antarctic programs, held in Rio de Janeiro, according to a Ministry of Defense statement.
Despite the seven months since the fire, the government has been unable to clear the site due to logistics. Between March and October, the frozen sea creates conditions making it impossible to reach the Brazilian base.
The minister also said that plans to hold a contest in 2013 to analyze architectural proposals for reconstruction of Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station. There will also be an international competition to select the group tasked with construction. There are no budget estimates.
Brazil uses its Antarctic base for scientific research. The Navy will assemble modules next summer to allow for emergency studies. Research ships will also help scientists in the process. The navy hopes to accommodate 60 researchers on site throughout the summer.
