In the midst of negotiations during the processing of the “Bases y Puntos de Partida para la Libertad de los Argentinos” (Bases and Starting Points for the Freedom of Argentines) Law, known as the “Omnibus Law,” the ruling bloc of La Libertad Avanza proposed to the other blocs in the Chamber of Deputies the removal of the privatization list for the Argentine Aircraft Factory “Brig. San Martín” S.A (FAdeA) and Fabricaciones Militares S.E.
These, along with Talleres Navales Dársena Norte S.A.C.I. and N. (TANDANOR) and Construcción de Viviendas para la Armada Argentina S.E. (COVIARA), were part of the list of state-owned companies subject to privatization. Up to this moment, the shipyard located on the Costanera Sur in the City of Buenos Aires and the military housing construction company continue to be part of the list.
The overall economic situation in Argentina prompted the new administration of President Javier Milei to declare state-owned companies subject to privatization. Although these are companies with a fundamental historical significance for the Argentine industry and the development of its military capabilities, the lack of significant projects and their lack of budget and political momentum contrast with the installed capacity of their facilities and the proven capabilities of their personnel.
From the opposition, when the “Bases” Law project was still being discussed in committees, Deputy Eduardo Leandro Toniolli from the Frente de Todos presented a parliamentary initiative declaring Fabricaciones Militares, TANDANOR, and FAdeA as “strategic assets of the Nation”. In this document, it was pointed out that “due to their relevance in the industrial development for National Defense“, they should not be subject to privatization or alienation without the approval of two-thirds of the members of each chamber of the National Congress.
Without being exempt from the project, TANDANOR is carrying out various projects for the Armed Forces. With the aim of modernizing the fleet of tugboats for the Argentine Navy, TANDANOR aims to produce 12 units, seven (7) belonging to the 40 TBP series, and the remaining five (5) to the 10 TBP series, of 40 and 10 tons respectively. This is the shipyard’s first independent project, which will allow the recovery of towing capacity without depending on third parties to maneuver the different units when they set sail.
It is worth noting that this project is delayed due to the lack of corresponding funds. Currently, the initiated units are inside one of the shipyard’s buildings, with no significant progress in their construction in recent times.
Additionally, the design phase is underway for the construction of a Polar Ship, based on the ARC 133 design from the Finnish company Aker, intended to provide logistical support during the Antarctic summer campaigns. Having a ship of these characteristics, absent since the sinking of the Polar Ship ARA “Bahía Paraíso” (B-1), will increase the logistical capacity of the Antarctic Summer Campaigns, currently relying on the Icebreaker ARA “Almirante Irizar” (Q-5), the transport ARA “Canal Beagle” (B-3), and some of the “Netfegaz” class.
On another front, the shipyard located on the Costanera Sur in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires is working on the corvette ARA “Parker” (P-44), which will be converted into a patrol vessel. Due to its facilities and unique capabilities in the country, such as the largest Syncrolift in Latin America, capable of lifting ships of 15,000 tons, 184 meters in length, and 32.9 meters in beam, TANDANOR annually receives ships from the Argentine Navy for maintenance work, recently highlighting the entry of the transport ARA “Canal Beagle” (B-3) in preparation for the CAV 2023/2024.
However, in addition to naval constructions, TANDANOR carries out civil engineering works, such as in 2023, the modernization of electrical facilities at the Naval Arsenal Puerto Belgrano, and the construction of the new Joint Antarctic Base “Petrel,” which is currently in the installation process.
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