Brazilian Navy's 'Atlântico' Arrives in Belém to Bolster COP30 Security and Logistics

Key Naval Asset Deployed for Climate Conference

The Brazilian Navy's multipurpose aircraft carrier, the NAM 'Atlântico', arrived in Belém, Pará, on October 17, 2025, to reinforce security and logistical operations for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30). The vessel, recognized as the largest warship in Latin America, is a crucial component of the comprehensive defense strategy for the international event.

The 'Atlântico' departed from the Ilha das Cobras Naval Base in Rio de Janeiro on September 13, 2025, carrying a substantial contingent of personnel and equipment. Its deployment underscores Brazil's commitment to ensuring a secure and well-supported environment for the global climate discussions.

Reinforcing Security and Logistical Framework

The arrival of the 'Atlântico' is integral to the Marajoara Joint Operational Command, a structure established by the Ministry of Defense to coordinate all security and defense activities during COP30. The vessel transported between 1,042 and 1,100 service members from the Navy, Army, and Air Force, along with approximately 435 to 700 tons of military equipment. This extensive cargo includes:

• 83 vehicles, including six armored vehicles
• Four helicopters
• Various weapons, sensors, ammunition, and missiles
• Diving equipment and specialized nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological defense structures

The personnel and material will also be utilized in Operation Atlas, a joint exercise involving the three Armed Forces, which commenced on June 30, 2025, and is slated to conclude on December 6, 2025. The 'Atlântico' will serve as a central base for coordination and operations, providing strategic support to the Armed Forces across the Amazon region. Security efforts will focus on critical infrastructure and waterways, including the Porto de Outeiro, Porto Petroquímico de Miramar, Subestações de Energia de Miramar, Porto de Belém, and the Pará and Guamá rivers.

The 'Atlântico': A Versatile Naval Asset

The NAM 'Atlântico' is the flagship of the Brazilian Fleet and was acquired from the British Royal Navy in 2018. With a length of 208 meters, equivalent to a 40-story building, it is capable of accommodating up to 1,400 military personnel on missions and operating up to 18 aircraft from its flight deck and hangar. The ship is equipped with a complete hospital structure and carries four aircraft, which can be deployed for transport, humanitarian aid, and medical emergencies. This marks the 'Atlântico's' second significant visit to Belém, having previously provided logistical and security support for the Amazon Summit in August 2023.

COP30: A Global Climate Gathering in the Amazon

The 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) is scheduled to take place from November 10 to 21, 2025, in Belém, Brazil. The choice of Belém, located in the Amazon rainforest, highlights the critical role of this biodiverse region in global climate regulation. The conference will bring together world leaders, scientists, non-governmental organizations, and civil society to address urgent actions needed to combat climate change, focusing on limiting global temperature increases and advancing climate finance.