One Energy News

Author: Rafael Bortoloti

  • WSB tips – Open Tenders & More

    WSB tips – Open Tenders & More

    Pedro Pellegrini

    Dear All,

    WSB is pleased to provide an update on the current long-term tenders that are open to offer.

    Open tenders:

    What has changed?

    • Petrobras 2x OSRVs: Opportunity 7004326931 new deadline Mar 27th, 2025;
    • Petrobras 3x WSSVs: Opportunity 7004331236 new deadline Mar 28th, 2025.

    What else is happening?

    • Thinking big. Bravante’s OSRV Marlin Stolmen entered into a firm 4-year contract with Petrobras, and the company is mobilizing an additional 2 vessels for the same contract;
    • Transpetro goes against the current trend of investment in Brazilian shipyards for construction and issues an order to contract 9 Suezmax DP shuttle tankers at the Samsung shipyard, South Korea;
    • Petrobras published the partial results of last year’s AHTS auction last Friday. The oil company’s focus was on Norskan and CBO.
  • Normand Ferking in Rio de Janeiro

    Normand Ferking in Rio de Janeiro

    By Rafael Bortoloti

    Solstad has confirmed the arrival of the AHTS Normand Ferking in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on March 7. According to Pedro Pellegrini, Shipbroker Intern at WSB Advisors, the vessel will begin a three-year contract with Petrobras in the second quarter of 2025.

    Built in 2007 and sailing under the Norwegian flag, the Normand Ferking is equipped with an ROV system. It measures 89 meters in length, 22 meters in width, has a 760 m² deck area, and a bollard pull of 239 metric tons. The vessel completed its 28-day journey using certified renewable biodiesel (HVO), significantly reducing emissions.

  • Gato do Mato: Shell confirms FID

    Gato do Mato: Shell confirms FID

    Shell has made the Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Gato do Mato project in the Santos Basin, an asset secured by the company in 2017. The development plan includes an FPSO with a production capacity of up to 120,000 barrels per day, with operations expected to begin in 2029.

    The Gato do Mato consortium consists of Shell (operator, 50%), Ecopetrol (30%), TotalEnergies (20%), and PPSA, which acts as the contract manager. The discovery is a gas-condensate field located in the pre-salt, spanning two adjacent blocks at depths of 1,750 to 2,050 meters.

    This investment reinforces Shell’s position as the largest foreign oil producer in Brazil and aligns with its strategy of developing efficient deepwater projects. “Gato do Mato is a prime example of our commitment to maintaining stable liquids production in our Upstream business while continuing to meet the world’s energy needs,” said Zoe Yujnovich, Shell’s Director of Integrated Gas and Upstream.

  • Skandi Búzios: contract extension

    Skandi Búzios: contract extension

    Petrobras and DOF have extended the charter contract for the PLSV Skandi Búzios, securing its operations with the Brazilian oil company until September 2026. Originally set to expire in April 2025, the agreement, which began in August 2024, now ensures the vessel’s continued role in Petrobras’ offshore projects.


    • Built in 2016, the Skandi Búzios is operated by the DOF/Technip FMC joint venture and is a sister vessel to the Skandi Açu, also chartered by Petrobras.
    • The vessel features a 650-ton pipe-laying tension capacity, allowing the installation of large-diameter flexible pipes in pre-salt waters up to 3,000 meters deep.
    • According to WSB. One, our offshore market database, DOF currently has 23 vessels chartered by Petrobras, including AHTSs, MPSVs, and PSVs.

    Want real-time offshore market insights at your fingertips?

    Subscribe to WSB.One and get all the critical data directly on your smartphone. Contact comercial@cms.oneenergynews.com to learn more.

  • Edison chouest: Kystdesign

    Edison chouest: Kystdesign

    The Edison Chouest Offshore Group has acquired Kystdesign, manufacturer of ROV systems, reinforcing its commitment to subsea innovation and expanding its capabilities in underwater robotics. This acquisition strengthens in-house solutions for C-Innovation and ROVOP while ensuring continued support for Kystdesign’s existing clients.

    Kystdesign has seen significant growth in recent years, doubling its workforce and reaching a projected turnover of NOK 500 million in 2024. Now, under Chouest’s leadership, the company is set to accelerate innovation in deepwater operations. The ROV system from this partnership is already in development, marking the beginning of a new phase for both companies.

  • Strengthened bonds: WSB/Westhon and Syndarma/ABEAM

    Strengthened bonds: WSB/Westhon and Syndarma/ABEAM

    Ronaldo Lima, Senior Advisor at WSB and Board Member at Westhon, participated in a workshop in Rio de Janeiro on March 19, organized by Syndarma and ABEAM, to discuss the impact of tax reform on maritime support.

    With decades of experience in the sector, Lima engaged with key industry figures, reinforcing WSB and Westhon’s strategic positioning. A civil engineer with a U.S. MBA, he served as president of ABEAM and vice president of Syndarma for 20 years, maintaining strong ties with both institutions. Last year, during Syndarma’s 90th-anniversary celebration, he was recognized for his outstanding contribution to the development of Brazilian maritime support.

    “It’s always great to reconnect with friends, gain new knowledge, and share it with my colleagues. We are committed to continuous learning, exchanging knowledge, and always providing the best solutions for our clients,” said Ronaldo Lima.

  • MPSV opportunity

    MPSV opportunity

    By Rafael Bortoloti

    Petrobras has announced the results of its tender for the chartering of a MPSV (Multipurpose Supply Vessel), a bidding process launched last December.

    Petrobras will sign two contracts, one for chartering and another for specialized technical services which may be awarded to different companies. Both agreements will have a four-year duration, with operations set to begin in July 2026 or 450 days after contract signing, whichever occurs first.

    “This is a very specific bid, with few vessels in the market capable of meeting the required scope. At the same time, it represents a valuable opportunity for those who operate this type of vessel,” says Raphael Montes, Proposals Manager & Partner at WSB Advisors.

  • Sealink 178 in Rio de Janeiro

    Sealink 178 in Rio de Janeiro

    By Rafael Bortoloti

    Camorim has welcomed its newest MPSV, the SEALINK 178, to Rio de Janeiro, this month. The vessel left Malaysia in December and is set to begin a four-year contract with Petrobras, operating as a PSV 4500. Contract operations are expected to start in April 2025.

    Built in China, the SEALINK 178 features a DP-2 dynamic positioning system, measuring 84.4 meters in length with a 22-meter beam. The vessel’s arrival reinforces Camorim’s strong momentum. In recent months, the company has celebrated the delivery of the ASD tugs C-Fênix, C-Falcão, and C-Albatroz, with two more azimuthing units, C-Condor and C-Harpia, set to join the fleet soon.

    The SEALINK 178 is the third offshore vessel Camorim has secured for Petrobras in less than a year, following the Aegis and Sayan Polaris. Currently operating over 150 vessels in Brazil (including PSVs, AHTSs, barges, launches, floating docks, and LHs). Camorim continues to expand its presence in the market.

    What’s next?

  • Westhon around the world

    Westhon around the world

    Alvaro Antunes, CEO of Intcom Solutions, was invited by Roberto Furian ARDENGHY, President of IBP – Instituto Brasileiro de Petróleo e Gás, to attend CERAWeek, where he participated as a panelist in the discussion on “Connecting Global Innovation to Brazil’s Energy Sector” alongside Pix Force, Geowellex Drilling and Geology Automation. In addition to speaking on the panel, Alvaro attended several key meetings on behalf of INTCOM and WSB Advisors, reinforcing our engagement in energy innovation.

    Fernando Vilela Fernando Vilela, CEO of Café na Trilha, was invited by Trek Bicycle to receive and test their new electric bike, the Trek Rail Plus, which will be further explored over the next 12 months. This marks an exciting new phase of content creation and performance analysis.

    At WSB Advisors, we had the pleasure of hosting our dear friends and valued customers Augusta Offshore S.p.A./ Asso Marítima Navegação Ltda from Italy, celebrating the arrival of their fourth vessel in Brazil, which, like the others, is Brazilian-flagged and crewed. This reinforces Augusta’s long-term commitment to the local market. Kudos to Mario Mattioli and Paola Matiolli and the entire Augusta team in Italy and Brazil for their dedication and partnership!

  • WSB tips – Open Tenders & More

    WSB tips – Open Tenders & More

    By Pedro Pellegrini

    Dear All,

    WSB is pleased to provide an update on the current long-term tenders that are open to offer.

    Open tenders:

    What has changed?

    • Petrobras 2x OSRVs: Opportunity 7004326931 new deadline Mar 20th, 2025;
    • Petrobras 1x MPSV: Opportunity 7004338955 still closes today 17:00h LT.

    What else is happening?

    • A busy week full of good news. Brazilian market is on fire! 🔥
    • WSUT has started two 4-year firm PSV contracts with Petrobras.
    • Bram extended three contracts with Petrobras until the end of Q2 2025, started a PSV contract and is mobilizing several vessels that will soon be on hire.
    • The AHTS market is booming and CBO is dominating the spot market for Oil Companies with its Terra Brasilis series.
    • Camorim is ready to expand its strong presence in port support to the offshore sector as well. In addition to starting the Aegis contract and mobilizing the S178, they’re aiming to bring more vessels by taking advantage of their vast tonnage.
    • The 10x OSRVs newbuilding contract is still pending. What could be delaying it? 
  • Petrobras shaking up the market

    Petrobras shaking up the market

    By Rafael Bortoloti

    New Wave of Petrobras Contracts Signals Market Revival!

    The recent Petrobras bids for chartering two AHTS vessels and constructing eight LPG carriers highlight a significant uptick in market activity, signaling a potential resurgence in the sector. In addition to these opportunities, Petrobras is expected to conclude nine more tenders by the end of May, with particular hopes surrounding the bids for eight new RSVs and two AHTS-TO vessels.

    This Friday (14th), Petrobras is set to announce the results of its tenders for the chartering of two OSRVs and one MPSV, the latter being a rare opportunity that has drawn considerable interest from shipowners. On Monday (17th), expectations are high for the conclusion of the SOB (flotel) charter bid, another unusual and noteworthy opportunity in the market.

    Looking ahead, Petrobras/Transpetro is expected to launch additional LPG carrier opportunities, along with a new wave of OSV bids, including OSRVs, PSVs, AHTS, and RSVs. The possibility of newbuilding requests further reinforces the company’s aggressive stance in expanding its fleet and strengthening its position in the industry as well as the shipbuilding industry.

    For more details on all available opportunities, contact comercial@cms.oneenergynews.com and visit cms.oneenergynews.com.

    WSB – We Support Your Business

  • Fuel: looking for a solution?

    Fuel: looking for a solution?

    By Rafael Bortoloti

    In February 2025, the maritime transport market saw a surge in demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessels, with eight new tanker orders increasing the global LNG-fueled fleet by 50%. The data, published by Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) from DNV, reinforces the industry’s shift towards sustainable fueling solutions, moving away from traditional Marine Gas Oil (MGO), which is characterized by high CO2 emissions. Additionally, MGO is subject to carbon taxation per ton emitted, making it increasingly less viable from an economic perspective.

    However, the search for alternative fuels is taking different directions. Unlike the aviation industry, which has established a global standard, maritime transport remains fragmented, with companies betting on different solutions—ranging from LNG and ammonia to methanol and synthetic fuels. This raises a key question: how can the industry ensure the refueling capacity for these vessels across different continents and ports?

    “Beyond the alternatives already in the market, we see players exploring even more options. This is exciting, but could it become a structural issue? Imagine a vessel traveling between countries using a specific fuel—will all ports and bunkering companies be prepared to supply it? It might impose some route restrictions”, reflects Anidio Correa, R&D Environment Projects Lead at WSB Advisors.

    The future of maritime transport will be shaped not just by the fuel alternatives available but also by their global feasibility, including workforce training. The sector is moving toward an energy transition, but the lack of standardization could pose as significant a challenge as decarbonization itself.

    How do you see this issue evolving?