Solstad Offshore ASA confirmed today (November 26) that it has signed a firm 4-year agreement with Petrobras for AHTS Normand Topazio. Contract starts in Q1 2026 and is valued at roughly USD 73 million. The vessel will support Petrobras offshore logistics and anchor-handling activities, reinforcing Solstad’s long-standing presence in Brazil’s supply fleet.
Author: Rafael Bortoloti
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Marlim (Bravante) secures ad referendum pproval from the FMM to expand its tug fleet
CDFMM has granted Marlin Environmental Services an ad referendum approval for a R$ 40.7 million priority to build six tugs at Estaleiro São Miguel, both part of the Grupo Bravante. This special form of approval — issued directly by the Director pending formal board ratification — supports the project’s relevance and readiness to advance without delay.
For Bravante, the initiative strengthens fleet autonomy across its operations. For Estaleiro São Miguel, the timing is favorable: the Bravante Group continues to recover financially and is expected to release key guarantees as early as next year, improving conditions for newbuild contracting.
The priority remains valid for 450 days, offering a clear runway for financing and execution as Brazil’s shipbuilding sector gains momentum. -
BRS leads underwater innovation
Brazilian Navy Highlights National Innovation: BRS Robótica Submarina Demonstrates Advanced Underwater Robotics in Subsea Cable Protection Exercise.
Between 10 and 14 November, the Brazilian Navy led the second edition of the Submarine Cable Protection Exercise off the coast of Fortaleza. The operation mobilized naval, aerial and subaquatic assets, along with representatives from GSI, ABIN, Anatel, the Federal Police and major telecom operators — all focused on testing Brazil’s ability to detect and respond to threats against critical subsea infrastructure.
Among the participating companies, BRS Robótica Submarina stood out for the performance of its nationally developed ROV. The system was used to locate and document the condition of a submarine cable on the seabed, supporting a full-scale simulation that included submarine tracking, aerial monitoring and vessel interception.
In an interview with Westhon Media, Álano Lamônica, Operations Director at BRS, emphasized the importance of the company’s role: “The ROV’s sensors allowed fast identification and safe approach to the cable, demonstrating Brazilian technological capability in a strategic scenario.”
Read the full article in One Energy Magazine to understand how BRS contributed to the operation and how Brazilian technology is advancing national defense and subsea infrastructure protection. -
Open tenders
Dear All,
WSB is pleased to provide an update on the current long-term tenders that are open to offer.
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Coming soon: One.Energy magazine
One Energy Magazine — Final 2025 Edition: What’s Inside
Coming soon!
In the upcoming and final 2025 edition of One Energy magazine, you’ll find an exclusive interview with Ronaldo Lima, Senior Advisor at WSB Advisors. Drawing on nearly 45 years in the energy sector, he discusses sensitive points in maritime regulation and shares his perspective on Brazil’s energy transition.
This edition also brings:
• Westhon’ new headquarters — meet the Westhon House
• The redesigned WSB Advisors database, WSB-One.com
• WSB Advisors’ strategic partnership with Unifeso
• A comprehensive analysis of the Rio–Niterói ferries
• Insights into Starnav’s growth
• Perspectives from Fernando Vilela on digital marketing markets
• Market updates — and more
A must-read. -
Petrobras reports high quality oil indication in Campos Basin
Petrobras announced the discovery of high-quality oil in a post-salt exploratory well in the Sudoeste de Tartaruga Verde block, Campos Basin, about 108 km off Campos dos Goytacazes (RJ). Well 4-BRSA-1403D-RJS was drilled in water depth of around 734 meters and initial logging, gas indication and fluid sampling confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons.
Petrobras states that reservoir samples will be sent to laboratories for detailed analysis, including fluid characterization and reservoir quality tests, which will support future estimates of productive potential.
Sudoeste de Tartaruga Verde was awarded to Petrobras in September 2018 during Brazil’s 5th Production-Sharing Round, with Petrobras holding 100% operating interest and PPSA acting as contract manager.
Even with strong pre-salt growth, Campos remains a strategic region for upcoming investments, especially where post-salt plays with simpler geology offer shorter cycle times and potential cost reductions. -
Organization announcement
Westhon Media welcomes journalist Rafael Bortoloti as Media Relations professional
Westhon Media — the communication and content arm of the Westhon Group — announces that journalist Rafael Bortoloti will serve as Media Relations, further enhancing the group’s corporate communication and press engagement initiatives.
An independent journalist and long-time collaborator of WSB Advisors, Rafael has since 2023 contributed to One Energy magazine with interviews and features that bring a thoughtful and human perspective to the offshore and energy industries. In this new capacity, he will also coordinate the magazine’s editorial agenda — consolidating articles, selecting topics, and engaging with columnists to ensure consistent, high-quality content.
“Taking on the Media Relations role within Westhon Media is both a continuation and an evolution of a partnership that has always been based on mutual trust and professionalism. It reflects the group’s growing commitment to communication excellence and reinforces the bridge between journalism and the energy sector.”
— Rafael Bortoloti
Westhon Media celebrates this new phase of collaboration, confident that Rafael’s journalistic insight and editorial dedication will continue to strengthen the group’s visibility and communication in the energy and offshore markets. -
Special WSB: “Por onde anda?”
From a detained support vessel to an active OSRV under Petrobras’ umbrella, former Astro Tupi illustrates the recurring reshaping of Brazil’s offshore fleet. Astro Tupi (IMO 9630705) was hired as named by Petrobras under Opportunity 7004235990, with Galáxia Navegação Ltda. as the contracting party and contract end-date set for August 2029. Galaxia still operates the vessel having recently promoted the vessel performance in social media. Despite this, public ANTAQ records never showed the vessel listed in Galáxia’s fleet.
Tribunal Marítimo, in its October publication, confirms the vessel’s name change from Astro Tupi to Atlas Z, now under the disponent ownership of Lagoa Offshore, a subsidiary of Brazilian Maritime Holdings (Majuro), part of MCT Inc..
The Greek owner stated to WSB Advisors having made a multimillion-dollar investment in the unit. ANTAQ public records now confirm a charter agreement between Astromarítima and Lagoa Offshore, with the latter appearing as the EBN and operator of Atlas Z, which supports the interim authorization issued by the authority to Lagoa as EBN.
WSB Advisors. No detail too small. Stay informed with WSB-One. -
New legislation boosts Brazil’s shipbuilding and offshore industries
Law 15.075/2024 and Decree 12.362/2025 create a favorable environment for investment, job generation and the strengthening of Brazil’s maritime industrial base.
Rio de Janeiro, November 2025 — The recent enactment of Law 15.075/2024 and the publication of Decree 12.362/2025 mark a new chapter for Brazil’s shipbuilding and offshore sectors. Together, they introduce mechanisms to stimulate local production, expand fiscal incentives and enhance regulatory predictability — factors regarded as essential to rebuilding industrial capacity, restoring shipyard activity and reinforcing the national supply chain.
Law 15.075/2024 amends provisions of the Petroleum Law (9.478/1997) and defines new parameters for valuing local content in oil and gas projects. Among its key innovations is the transferability of local-content surpluses between contracts, effectively creating a market for “local-content credits.” The law also extends tax incentives for vessels built in Brazilian shipyards, including accelerated depreciation for ships operating in cabotage and offshore support, aimed at enhancing competitiveness and stimulating new construction orders.
Decree 12.362/2025 complements the law by allowing royalty reductions of up to 5 percent in Round Zero contracts, provided that operators reinvest in initiatives tied to local content. The measure is designed to encourage revitalization of mature fields, foster reinvestment in domestic production chains, and attract new suppliers to the sector.
According to Paulo Rolim, Advisory Services Lead at WSB Advisors, while the new framework creates short-term opportunities for shipyards and suppliers, its most impactful mechanisms remain temporary. “Accelerated depreciation, for example, is not a permanent State policy for shipbuilding but rather a transitional measure applicable only to contracts signed until the end of 2026,” he notes. Rolim adds that the long-term resilience of Brazil’s shipbuilding sector will depend on consistent legal instruments such as the Cabotage Law (9.432/1997) and the frameworks governing AFRMM and FMM, both regarded as true State policies that underpin industrial continuity.
Despite these limitations, the combination of Law 15.075/2024 and Decree 12.362/2025 demonstrates Brazil’s renewed commitment to strengthening its domestic production and technological base, while improving the overall attractiveness of offshore and maritime investment. The initiative signals progress toward a more balanced environment — one that values national content without compromising global competitiveness and efficiency.
This regulatory advance also aligns with broader trends in global energy transition, where nations seek to consolidate local shipbuilding capabilities as part of industrial policy and energy security strategies. Including Brazil in this conversation positions the country as a potential regional hub for offshore infrastructure and support vessel construction.
Stay informed on key offshore developments — visit wsb-one.com, our data platform trusted by leading offshore companies.
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Peregrino field: Prio takes the helm
PRIO has completed the acquisition of a 40% interest and operatorship in Peregrino Field, Campos Basin — increasing its stake to 80%.
Key facts:
- The deal adds about +40,000 barrels per day (bpd) to PRIO’s output, taking total production above 150,000 bpd.
- Transaction value for this first phase was US$ 1.545 billion, with the remaining 20% stake expected to close by mid-2026.
- Peregrino, discovered in 2004 and on stream since 2011, produces heavy oil via FPSO and three fixed platforms. Cumulative output already exceeds 300 million barrels.
- PRIO now holds operatorship, positioned to optimize logistics, reduce lifting costs, and integrate operations across its mature-asset portfolio.
- The company estimates surpassing 200,000 bpd within eight months — driven by the startup of the Wahoo Field and the expected closing of the remaining 20% Peregrino interest.
- For former operator Equinor ASA, the divestment aligns with its strategy of focusing on higher-growth assets such as Bacalhau.
PRIO’s new role as majority operator at Peregrino marks a key moment in Brazil’s offshore evolution — local players taking lead in mature fields and driving value through efficiency and integration. For PRIO, the acquisition cements its position as Brazil’s leading independent upstream company, while Equinor repositions toward next-generation pre-salt and gas projects.
Stay informed on key offshore developments — visit wsb-one.com, our data platform trusted by leading offshore companies.
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Transpetro Bid
Transpetro – Petrobras Transporte S. A. Launches Third International Tender for Fleet Renewal
Transpetro has opened the third international tender under Petrobras’ Fleet Renewal and Expansion Program, advancing the company’s 2025–2029 Business Plan. The new bid covers the construction of four MR1 tankers, each with a 40,000 DWT capacity, to transport oil and derivatives along the Brazilian coast.
Shipyards have 90 days to submit proposals and the first vessel is expected to be delivered within 33 months after contract signing. According to Transpetro, the vessels will incorporate advanced technologies to enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This round follows previous tenders for 18 barges and 18 pushers, as well as four LR1 tankers, reinforcing Petrobras’ long-term logistics strategy and the revival of Brazil’s shipbuilding industry.
Stay informed on key offshore developments — visit wsb-one.com, our data platform trusted by leading offshore companies. -
Open Tenders & More
Dear all,
WSB is pleased to provide an update on the current long-term tenders that are open to offer:
What has changed?
• Petrobras — at least 1x PSV: Opportunity 7004439824 | new deadline November 14, 2025 (was Nov 11)
• Petrobras — at least 1x LH: Opportunity 7004497614 | new deadline November 20, 2025 (was Nov 10)
• Petrobras — at least 1x FSV: Opportunity 7004492292 | new deadline November 20, 2025 (was Nov 10)
• Petrobras — at least 1x LH: Opportunity 7004484466 | new deadline November 20, 2025 (was Nov 10)
• Petrobras — up to 2x AHTS (NEWBUILDS): Opportunity 7004345558 | deadline November 28, 2025
• Transpetro – Petrobras Transporte S. A. — acquisition of 18x Barges and 18x Pushers: Opportunity 7004521370 | deadline December 05, 2025
• Petrobras — FPSO for Albacora Revitalization: Opportunity 7004415516 | deadline December 15, 2025
– Petrobras — at least 1x SESV: Opportunity 7004482740 | deadline November 10, 2025
What else happening
The 12th edition of the November Conference was held in Rio de Janeiro, reaffirming the Brazil–Norway partnership in research, innovation, and energy transition. The event gathered representatives from Equinor, Petrobras, Scatec ASA, COPPE/UFRJ, and the University of Oslo for discussions on sustainable energy, CCUS, bioenergy, safety, and marine management. A highlight was the launch of the 5th joint call by Finep and the Research Council of Norway, supporting bilateral projects in sustainable energy and maritime transport.
Hidrovias do Brasil finalized the sale of its cabotage division to Companhia de Navegação Norsul for R$ 715 million. The transaction, part of Hidrovias’ strategy to focus on river transport and port infrastructure, strengthens its balance sheet and core operations. Norsul now assumes ownership of the vessels Tambaqui and Tucunaré, expanding its bauxite transport capacity to roughly 4 million tons per year.
Meanwhile, Grupo Náutica announced the JAQ H1, a 36-meter vessel powered by green hydrogen produced from water, to be showcased at COP 30. Designed as a floating research lab for marine and river biomes, the project envisions future hybrid versions with onboard hydrogen generation by 2027. Grupo Náutica also signed an MoU with Porto do Açu to begin testing and feasibility studies in 2026.
Stay informed on key offshore developments — visit wsb-one.com
, our data platform trusted by leading offshore companies.