The Hydroceanographic Research Vessel (NPqHo) “Vital de Oliveira”, subordinated to the Hydrography and Navigation Directorate (DHN), of the Brazilian Navy, docked in the Port of Belém (PA), between May 30th and June 2nd, for refueling and embarkation of researchers. The ship carries out surveys of geophysical, geological, oceanographic and biological data on the Brazilian Equatorial Margin. A region that extends over 2,200 km along the coast, between the states of Amapá and Rio Grande do Norte, the Equatorial Margin is considered the new frontier for oil exploration in deep and ultra-deep waters in Brazil.
The “Vital de Oliveira” departed from the Navy Hydrography Base, in Niterói (RJ), on May 3rd. On this journey, the ship subsidizes scientific projects selected by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Petrobras and the Geological Survey of Brazil.
On board, in addition to 130 military personnel, are 28 researchers from Petrobras, University of São Paulo (USP), University of Vale do Itajaí (Univali), Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Federal University of Espírito Santo Santo (UFES), Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) and Federal University of Pará (UFPA).
“70 commission days were allocated to carry out all the work, with 58 specific days of operation at sea”, explains NPqHo Commander “Vital de Oliveira”, Frigate Captain Leandro dos Santos Novaes.