Brazil’s naval construction industry is making a big comeback thanks to a lot of government money, smart international partnerships, and a renewed focus on the country’s sovereignty over the “Blue Amazon,” which is the country’s huge offshore territory. Brazil’s shipbuilding industry saw the most investment in 12 years in 2024. More than 430 projects were funded, including building new ships, fixing old ones, modernizing them, and building up port infrastructure. The industry has changed a lot since it fell apart in the 1980s and 1990s. Now it can make everything from luxury yachts for fun to advanced conventional submarines and even nuclear-powered ships of the future.
This carefully chosen list includes five well-known companies in Brazil that build boats and submarines for a variety of purposes, including commercial shipbuilding, defense construction, and luxury recreational vessels. This overview gives you useful information about Brazil’s top naval construction companies, whether you work in the defense industry, are buying a luxury yacht, or are an investor looking for opportunities in Brazil’s maritime economy.
How We Selected the Top Boats and Submarines Companies in Brazil
The companies featured in this list were evaluated based on the following general criteria:
- Strategic Importance: Part of Brazil’s naval defense programs and efforts to protect its sovereignty
- Scale of production: the size of the shipyard, the number of workers, and the amount of output
- International Partnerships: Working together with top companies in other countries and making deals to share technology
- Market Position: Leading the way in the commercial, defense, or recreational vessel segments
- Innovation and Technology: Using new ways to make things and making better ships
List of Top 5 Boats and Submarines Companies in Brazil
- Itaguaí Construções Navais (ICN)
- Estaleiro Atlântico Sul (EAS)
- Cimitarra Yachts
- Fibrafort
- EMGEPRON
A Closer Look at Each Naval Construction Company
1. Itaguaí Construções Navais (ICN)
Itaguaí Construções Navais (ICN) is the most important shipbuilder in Brazil for building submarines and is also very important for the country’s military. ICN was set up in 2009 as a partnership between Novonor (Odebrecht’s holding company) and the French defense giant Naval Group. Its main job was to carry out the Submarine Development Program (PROSUB). In Itaguaí, Rio de Janeiro state, the company runs a state-of-the-art shipyard and naval base that is used to build modern submarines.
Key Products and Specialization
- Scorpène-class conventional submarines (Riachuelo class for Brazilian Navy)
- Nuclear-powered submarine (Álvaro Alberto) — under development
- Naval base infrastructure and shipyard operations
Notable Projects
ICN has delivered and launched all four Scorpène-class submarines for the Brazilian Navy under the PROSUB program:
- Riachuelo (S40): The first submarine in the series was built in September 2022.
- Humaitá (S41): Ordered in January 2024
- Tonelero (S42): The Brazilian Navy got it in November 2025. It was made entirely in Brazil.
- Almirante Karam (S43): Launched in November 2025; after sea trials, it will be delivered in 2026.
Each ship can hold 1,870 tonnes of cargo, is 72 meters long, can dive to a depth of 300 meters, and can operate on its own for 45 days. They have six weapon tubes that can hold up to 18 weapons.
ICN is now working on the next big thing: building Álvaro Alberto, which will be South America’s first nuclear-powered submarine. They have already finished building four conventional submarines. This ship will be a key part of Brazil’s naval power in the South Atlantic.
Notable Strengths and Differentiators
ICN’s best feature is its partnership with Naval Group to transfer technology. This has made sure that Brazilian engineers, welders, metal formers, plumbers, and electricians learned how to build submarines in France. With this method, ICN can handle every step of submarine production, from making the metal plates to testing and commissioning the system on each ship. ICN has also added a number of local suppliers to its supply chain, which gives Brazilian businesses access to new markets.
Contact Information
Website: https://www.icnavais.com/
2. Estaleiro Atlântico Sul (EAS)
Estaleiro Atlântico Sul (EAS) is Brazil’s largest shipbuilder and the most significant commercial shipyard in South America. Located in Ipojuca, Pernambuco, the shipyard was established as a joint venture between Brazilian and international partners to revive the country’s large-scale commercial shipbuilding capacity. The facility is considered the largest shipyard in South America and has played a pivotal role in Brazil’s shipbuilding renaissance .
Key Products and Specialization
- Suezmax-class oil tankers
- Bulk carriers and grain ships
- Offshore support vessels
- Commercial and merchant vessels
Notable Projects
EAS has been at the forefront of Brazil’s return to building commercial ships. After 13 years, the shipyard launched the first tanker ever built in Brazil. This was a big deal for the industry. EAS worked with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) to lay the keel for a 150,000-ton oil tanker, which is the biggest ship ever built in Brazil. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was there, which showed how important the project was to Brazil’s strategy.
The shipyard can build many different types of ships, such as grain ships, freighters, oil tankers, and container ships. Brazil’s industrial policy to revive the shipbuilding industry, which had fallen apart in the 1980s and 1990s after being one of the world’s biggest industries in the 1970s, has helped EAS a lot.
Notable Strengths and Differentiators
The main thing that sets EAS apart is its size. It can build the biggest ships in Brazil, like 150,000-ton tankers, because it is the biggest shipyard in South America. The shipyard’s partnership with Samsung Heavy Industries has brought Brazil some of the best Korean shipbuilding technology and know-how in the world. EAS’s success is closely linked to Brazil’s offshore oil industry, which needs a lot of support vessels and tankers for deepwater exploration and production.
Contact Information
Location: http://www.easbr.com/
3. Cimitarra Yachts
Cimitarra Yachts is one of Brazil’s best luxury yacht builders and is one of the three biggest luxury shipyards in the country. The company has been changing the Brazilian nautical market since 1999, when it was founded in Vera Cruz, Rio Grande do Sul. It has been making boats that fit the needs of Brazilian consumers and expanding its presence across the Americas.
Key Products and Specialization
- Luxury motor yachts from 36 to 78 feet
- Customizable layouts and designs
- Yachts using advanced vacuum infusion technology
Notable Strengths and Differentiators
Cimitarra was one of the first Brazilian shipyards to use the modern vacuum infusion process, which makes structures stronger, lighter, and better finished. The company was also the first in Brazil to offer a full range of boats with layouts that could be changed, so customers could make their boats from 36 to 78 feet long.
Cimitarra is a major exporter of Brazilian luxury yachts. It has 236 direct employees and a sales team that works in Brazil, North America, South America, and Central America. The company takes part in all of Brazil’s major nautical events and releases a new product every year, showing that it is committed to always coming up with new ideas.
Cimitarra is one of the top three luxury shipyards in Brazil because it is known for its quality, design, and customer service. People say that the brand “expresses luxury and technology in unique boats,” and it appeals to picky customers who value quality and exclusivity.
Contact Information
Facebook: www.cimitarra.com.br
4. Fibrafort
Fibrafort is the biggest shipyard in South America that makes motor yachts and boats for sports and pleasure. Since it opened in 1990, it has made more than 15,000 yachts for owners all over the world. The company is based in Itajaí, Santa Catarina, and has built a name for itself by making high-quality, well-thought-out designs and coming up with new technologies. Fibrafort is officially in 43 countries, which makes it Brazil’s most well-known maker of recreational boats around the world.
Key Products and Specialization
- Bowriders and outboard boats
- Cruiser Line, Sport Line, and Yachts Line
- Vessels ranging from 5 to 13 meters (16 to 40 feet)
- Hardtops, cockpit boats, and sports towers
Notable Strengths and Differentiators
The name Fibrafort comes from its fiberglass hulls, which are known for being strong and long-lasting. The company’s boats are easy to use, have smartly placed storage spaces, and have a low draft, which makes them perfect for Brazilian coastal and inland waters. The company says that its design philosophy is “modern design with a slope in the tropics.” This style is popular in the US, but it also sells well in other countries.
Fibrafort worked with Porsche Consulting to improve its manufacturing standards as part of a strategic move. Fibrafort has been able to set up technical processes, improve product quality and reliability, and lower costs thanks to the help of specialists from the German company. Rudiger Leutz, CEO of Porsche Consulting, said, “Boats are a lot like Porsches: you’re not selling things, you’re selling feelings.” And we will turn Fibrafort into the “marine Brazilian Porsche.”
Fibrafort’s building is more than 7,000 square meters, and the company uses automation and modern technologies to build yachts. The brand is mostly drawn to its simple, well-thought-out, and technologically advanced designs, which don’t have anything extra.
Contact Information
Website: https://www.fibrafort.com.br/
5. EMGEPRON
The Brazilian government owns EMGEPRON (Empresa Gerencial de Projetos Navais), and the Navy Command connects it to the Ministry of Defense. The company is not a traditional shipbuilder in Brazil’s naval sector; instead, it manages projects and sells them. EMGEPRON runs complicated naval projects and sells goods and services from the Brazilian Defense Industrial Base to customers in Brazil and around the world.
Key Products and Specialization
- Military vessel construction and naval repairs
- Onboard combat systems integration
- Artillery ammunition
- Oceanographic services
- Logistical support for naval operations
Notable Projects and Partnerships
Partnerships with international defense companies have made EMGEPRON much more important to its strategy. In April 2025, EMGEPRON and EDGE Group, a major global advanced technology and defense company based in the UAE, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement allows for the exchange of technical information that will help improve weapons systems in the future, such as missiles, torpedoes, and advanced high-precision devices for military operations.
In 2025, EMGEPRON also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with VARD, which is the Brazilian branch of the Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri. The goal of the agreement is to encourage future cooperation on national defense programs and the sharing of information about new technologies. VARD Promar, in Pernambuco, is one of the most modern shipbuilding facilities in South America. The partnership will look into technical and business opportunities in naval shipyard capacity and development projects.
As the commercialization arm of the Brazilian Navy’s industrial base, EMGEPRON serves as a critical link between domestic shipbuilders and international markets, facilitating exports of Brazilian naval products and services .
Notable Strengths and Differentiators
Because EMGEPRON is a state-owned company that works directly with the Ministry of Defense, it has access to Brazil’s naval defense programs and industrial base that no other company does. The company’s project management skills and ability to make things happen in the market make it an important partner for both Brazilian shipbuilders and international defense companies that want to do business in Brazil. Vice Admiral Amaury Calheiros, the CEO of EMGEPRON, said that working with international partners “is a unique chance to drive technological innovations and grow into the global market.”
Contact Information
Website: https://www.marinha.mil.br/
How to Choose the Right Boats and Submarines Company in Brazil
- Specify Your Vessel Type: For defense procurement, the focus should be on Itaguaí Construções Navais (submarines) or EMGEPRON (naval systems integration). People who want to buy commercial ships should look into Estaleiro Atlântico Sul for big tankers and bulk carriers. People who want to buy a luxury yacht should look into Cimitarra Yachts (high-end custom yachts) and Fibrafort (sports and pleasure boats).
- Think about size and capacity: Estaleiro Atlântico Sul has the largest shipbuilding capacity in South America for large commercial ships. ICN is Brazil’s only place that builds submarines and has delivered four Scorpène-class ships.
- Check the International Standards: Buyers of luxury yachts should know that Fibrafort has teamed up with Porsche Consulting to use German manufacturing standards and quality control methods. Cimitarra Yachts uses cutting-edge vacuum infusion technology and ships its products to North and South America.
- Check out strategic partnerships: Companies that have strong international partnerships can help with technology transfer and quality assurance. ICN’s partnership with Naval Group has led to better submarine capabilities. EMGEPRON is a gateway for international defense cooperation because it works with EDGE Group and VARD/Fincantieri.
- Review Export Experience: If you’re buying from outside Brazil, look for companies that already have export channels set up. Fibrafort is now officially in 43 countries. Cimitarra Yachts has a sales team that works in all of North, South, and Central America.
- Consider Government and Defense Procurement: Organizations seeking to participate in Brazil’s naval defense programs should engage with EMGEPRON, which manages complex projects and commercializes products from the Brazilian Defense Industrial Base.
Brazil’s naval construction industry has changed a lot over the years. It went from being in decline for decades to being a dynamic sector that can compete on the world stage. The five companies featured show how diverse and advanced this industry has become again.
Itaguaí Construções Navais (ICN) is the most important company in Brazil for building submarines. They have built four advanced Scorpène-class submarines and are now working on South America’s first nuclear-powered submarine. Estaleiro Atlântico Sul (EAS) is the biggest shipyard in South America. It is leading Brazil’s commercial shipbuilding revival with big tankers and bulk carriers. Cimitarra Yachts is one of Brazil’s top three luxury yacht makers. They use both traditional craftsmanship and modern vacuum infusion technology to make yachts that can be customized for customers all over the world. Fibrafort is the biggest maker of sports and pleasure boats in South America. They have delivered over 15,000 yachts to 43 countries and have a well-known partnership with Porsche Consulting. EMGEPRON is the strategic link between Brazil’s naval defense industry and the global market. It handles complicated projects and builds partnerships with other countries.
Each company brings distinct strengths to Brazil’s naval construction landscape. The right choice depends on your specific needs—whether you seek defense procurement, commercial vessel construction, or luxury recreational boating. We encourage readers to evaluate these companies based on their specialization, capacity, and alignment with your maritime objectives.
With record investment levels, expanding international partnerships, and ambitious programs such as the nuclear submarine project and the Tamandaré-class frigate program, Brazil’s boats and submarines sector is poised for continued growth and global recognition in the years ahead .
FAQ
1. What types of vessels are built in Brazil?
Brazil’s naval construction industry produces a diverse range of vessels, including conventional and nuclear-powered submarines (Itaguaí Construções Navais), large commercial tankers and bulk carriers (Estaleiro Atlântico Sul), luxury motor yachts (Cimitarra Yachts), and sports and pleasure boats (Fibrafort). Companies like EMGEPRON also do naval repairs, integrate combat systems, and provide oceanographic services in this field.
2. Which company builds submarines in Brazil?
Itaguaí Construções Navais (ICN) is Brazil’s exclusive submarine builder, operating in partnership with French defense company Naval Group. ICN has delivered four Scorpène-class conventional submarines under the PROSUB program and is now focused on constructing Álvaro Alberto, Brazil’s first nuclear-powered submarine.
3. What is the largest shipyard in Brazil?
Estaleiro Atlântico Sul (EAS), located in Ipojuca, Pernambuco, is the largest shipyard in Brazil and all of South America . The facility has the capacity to construct 150,000-ton vessels and has partnered with Samsung Heavy Industries to bring advanced Korean shipbuilding technology to Brazil .
4. Which Brazilian boat manufacturer is best for luxury yachts?
Cimitarra Yachts is one of Brazil’s top three luxury yacht manufacturers, offering customizable vessels from 36 to 78 feet with advanced vacuum infusion technology. The company exports throughout the Americas and has 236 direct employees. Fibrafort also offers high-quality pleasure boats and yachts with a strong international presence in 43 countries.
5. How is Brazil’s shipbuilding industry performing?
Brazil’s shipbuilding industry is experiencing a significant resurgence. In 2024, the sector recorded its highest investment levels in 12 years, with funding secured for over 430 projects . Contracts worth $870 million were signed for 548 new projects—the highest volume since 2012—representing a 326% increase compared to the 2019-2022 period.
6. What is EMGEPRON’s role in Brazil’s naval industry?
EMGEPRON is a state-owned enterprise linked to Brazil’s Ministry of Defense that manages complex naval projects and commercializes products from the Brazilian Defense Industrial Base. The company facilitates international partnerships, including agreements with EDGE Group and VARD/Fincantieri, and serves as a critical link between domestic shipbuilders and global markets .
