The restoration of the Vapor Benjamim Guimarães combined engineering, historical preservation, and surface protection to return one of the most iconic vessels on the São Francisco River to operation, contributing to the preservation of a century-old cultural heritage.

Built in 1913 in the United States and later incorporated into navigation on the São Francisco River, between the states of Minas Gerais and Bahia, the Benjamim Guimarães became one of the most iconic symbols of Brazilian river navigation. After years out of service, the vessel underwent a comprehensive restoration process to ensure its preservation and allow future generations to experience it.

The project involved the recovery of historic components, the replacement of deteriorated steel structures, the reconstruction of systems essential to its operation, and the fabrication of a new boiler, always respecting the original characteristics that make the vessel a unique historical and cultural landmark.

In a restoration project of this scale, the protection of metal surfaces is a strategic step to ensure the longevity of the investment. Beyond preserving the vessel’s appearance, coating systems must act as a barrier against corrosion and the effects of the river environment, contributing to the long-term preservation of the structure.

In this context, WEG Coatings solutions were specified as part of the protection system applied to the project, helping protect the restored surfaces and increase the durability of the recovered steel structures. Product selection considered the vessel’s specific requirements, operating environment, and the need to preserve the restored heritage for many years.

Following proper surface preparation, the applied coatings began acting as a protective barrier against moisture and natural corrosion processes, helping reduce future maintenance interventions and preserve the integrity of the restored components.

More than an aesthetic resource, the coating system became a key element in heritage preservation, providing protection, durability, and performance to a vessel that carries more than a century of history.

At the end of the project, the Benjamim Guimarães recovered the conditions necessary to continue representing the history of navigation on the São Francisco River. The restoration not only returned the vessel to its original function but also created the conditions needed to preserve this heritage for future generations.

The project demonstrates how engineering, technology, and surface protection can work together in the preservation of historical assets, reinforcing the importance of coating systems in protecting structures exposed to severe environments and preserving heritage assets that are part of Brazilian history.

Sources and Credits

This content was developed based on information, technical documents, and institutional materials provided by the client, as well as records related to the restoration project of the Benjamim Guimarães Steamboat. 

Sources consulted: IEPHA Report (2021); AU Jeferson Naval Report (2020); INC Naval Corporate Presentation – Portfolio 2025; Official Restoration Schedule (2025); “E-book Information” Document – INC Naval (2025); Services Performed Spreadsheet – INC Naval (2025).  

Photography: Images supplied by the client.

Photo credit: Ronan Narciso Rocha, HiTech Vídeo Produtora.