The Brazilian naval training ship “Navio Escola Brasil” docked in Hamburg last week. On this occasion, Peter Tamm, the newly appointed Honorary Consul of Brazil in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, delivered his inaugural address.
This was already the 30th visit to the Hanseatic city by the training ship “Navio Escola Brasil”. Hamburg and Brazil have maintained close, non-commercial relations for decades. For years, the South American country has maintained an honorary consulate in Hamburg, which is also responsible for Schleswig-Holstein. Until the beginning of this year, it was headed by the lawyer Jan Curschmann. Since this summer, the post has been held by Peter Tamm. The handover was officially conducted on board the “Navio Escola Brasil” by the Brazilian Ambassador.
Peter Tamm, who has himself maintained close ties with Brazil for many years, delivered his inaugural address on board the frigate.
“It is a great honour – and, I must say, a very emotional moment for me – to be standing here today on board the ‘Brasil’ and to take on the responsibility of representing Brazil as Honorary Consul in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein,” said Peter Tamm.
For Peter Tamm, however, this appointment is far more than a diplomatic responsibility. Rather, it is a very personal matter. He himself lived in Rio de Janeiro for a year and a half, where he worked for Hamburg Süd and represented Rudolf A. Oetker in South America.
He had visited Brazil several times before, once even on board an Aliança cargo ship. However, his connection to Brazil by no means ended with his departure from Rio.
“Whenever possible, I return to Brazil once or twice a year. We have a home in Copacabana, and Brazil has become a place where I personally feel very much at home,” said Tamm.
Brazil had given him wonderful experiences, friendships and memories that would stay with him for the rest of his life.
He now has the opportunity to do something for Brazil in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein. In his role, he wishes to bring people together and strengthen existing relationships. Furthermore, he aims to forge new links between Brazilian and German businesses, people, cultures and institutions, and to support Brazilians living here.
“I am very much looking forward to working with the Brazilian Embassy in Berlin, with our Ambassador Baena Soares and his team, with the Brazilian community, with the City of Hamburg and the State of Schleswig-Holstein, and with everyone who shares our enthusiasm for these relations,” said Peter Tamm. He concluded his speech with the Portuguese saying: “Brazil is a country you carry in your heart.”
For him, this is certainly true, said the Honorary Consul: “I have carried Brazil in my heart for many years and will continue to do so in the future.”
“Navio Escola Brasil”
The Brazilian naval training ship “Navio Escola Brasil” (NE Brasil) was commissioned in 1986. With a length of 130 metres, it has a displacement of 3,900 tonnes. This was its 30th visit to Hamburg’s Landungsbrücken.
There are around 450 personnel on board, including some 180 cadets. The ship is currently under the command of Ricardo Lima Maia.
