nowadays the base houses a squadron of f-5m jet fighters of the brazilian air force.

closer to the 'ilha dos urubus' and along both shores of the nearby canal are sited some major metal work industries.

the 'companhia siderurgica do atlântico' (atlantic steelworks company), occupies the southern shore.

on the northern side of the canal are several smaller companies.

the largest among them is the 'siderurgia gerdeau' (gerdau steelworks) - further inland are also some plantations.