Federal Oil Production Hits Record High
For the first time, Brazil’s Federal Government oil production surpassed 100,000 boe/d, reaching 104,000 boe/d in October—a 4.4% increase over the previous month, according to Pré-Sal Petróleo (PPSA). This milestone makes the Union the fifth-largest oil producer in Brazil, alongside major players like Shell, TotalEnergies, Equinor, PRIO, and Repsol.
The increase was primarily driven by higher oil surplus from the Sépia Field. Natural gas production also hit a record, reaching 255,000 cubic meters per day—a 57% hike from the previous month.
“While total production in Brazil declined due to routine FPSO maintenance, this news underscores the sector’s resilience and growth potential,” notes Daniel Buckley, Chartering Manager at WSB Advisors.
Author: Rafael Bortoloti
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Production: Fair Winds coming?
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WSB Advisors at São José shipyard
On December 18, the WSB Advisors team visited the São José Shipyard (formerly Cassinú) in São Gonçalo. Recently reopened and modernized by WTN Lak, the facility now features cutting-edge technology, new processes, and advanced equipment, set to transform Brazil’s shipbuilding industry.
WSB supported WTN in project development and key strategic decisions, reinforcing a trusted partnership.
The reopening of São José/Cassinú marks a major step in revitalizing Brazil’s shipbuilding sector, unlocking new opportunities in the naval market.
“It’s always a pleasure to host WSB. We aligned expectations and strategies, and I’m confident our partnership will remain strong in 2025,” says Alexandre Klopper, CEO of WTN Lak.
Source: WSB team -
Westhon magazine: new edititon is now available
Now Available!
The latest edition of One. Energy features an exclusive interview with Fredric Fuerth, CEO of Asgaard Bourbon. Discover his career journey, insights into OSVs, and perspectives on the energy market.
This issue also takes you behind the scenes of Grupo Bravante cozy cabin at the Maracanã and shares the inspiring stories of Fernando Vilela and João Pereira Sobrinho.
What’s more:
• Updates from WSB and Intcom Solutions
• A recap of the WSB Seminar
• Market news and insights
Don’t miss this must-read edition. Click below to explore!
https://lnkd.in/dWjmvM8C -
OSVs renewal fleet: Petrobras’ deals with Bram and Starnav
Petrobras has signed contracts to build and charter 12 PSVs—six from Bramand six from Starnav,—totaling BRL 16.5 billion (USD 2.7 billion). Of this, BRL 5.2 billion (USD 0.83 billion) will support local content.
The agreements include mobilization of approximately six years for construction and 12 firm years of operation. The vessels will be built at each companies’ own shipyards: Navship (Bram) and Detroit (Starnav).
These contracts underscore Brazil’s growing need to renew its OSV fleet and mark another step in the revival of domestic shipyards, further strengthening the naval and offshore markets. -
FPSO en route to Brazil
FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão departed China for Brazil to be installed in the Mero Field, Santos Basin, for Petrobras. Production is set to start in 2025.
With a capacity of 180,000 boe/d and 12 million m³ of gas compression per day, the unit will increase Mero’s output by 31%, to a total of 770,000 boe/d.
This is the fourth FPSO delivered to Petrobras in 2024, (Maria Quitéria, Duque de Caxias, and Almirante Tamandaré preceded).
These additions help drive the OSV chartering opportunities.
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A special recognition: Medal Tamandaré
“On December 13, last Friday, I was very happy and honored with this recognition by the esteemed Brazilian Navy, especially in the month that completes 50 years of professional career in our market (from the edge of the pier), it was an honor to receive the Tamandaré Medal of Merit. Bravo Zulu!”, says Maurício Almeida.
WSB Advisors proudly celebrate the remarkable achievement of Mauricio Almeida, who has been honored with the prestigious Medalha Mérito Tamandaré. This distinction recognizes Mauricio’s extraordinary dedication to the values and mission of the Brazilian Navy and his unwavering pursuit of professional excellence.
This milestone follows Mauricio’s recent celebration of 50 years as a marine professional—an inspiring legacy of commitment and leadership in our industry.
We are deeply privileged to have Mauricio on our Board of Directors at WSB Advisors and Westhon, where he serves as an independent voice, free from executive ties to our group. His strategic counsel, alongside our Chairman Paulo de Tarso Rolim de Freitas and fellow Board Member Ronaldo Lima, has been instrumental in shaping key decisions and delivering outstanding results throughout the year.
This commendation highlights Mauricio’s unparalleled contributions to society, and we join Pinheiro Almeida, Pericia e Assist. Técnica Judicial in celebrating this historic honor.
Congratulations, Mauricio, for continuing to inspire us all with your exceptional service and dedication!
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SLB strikes again
SLB has secured two major contracts with Petrobras last week.
The first, worth $800 million, covers integrated services for over 100 offshore fields operated by Petrobras. Set to begin in April 2025, the three-year contract emphasizes increasing local content.
The second involves delivering two subsea raw seawater injection (RWI) systems for the P-74 and P-75 FPSOs in the Búzios Field, Petrobras’ largest asset. The contract will be executed by OneSubsea a joint venture between SLB, Aker Solutions, and Subsea7 and includes subsea pumps, umbilicals, and topside variable speed drives.
“These contracts highlight SLB’s strong partnership with Petrobras. Competitive pricing and cutting-edge technology likely played a key role in securing these deals,” notes Daniel Buckley, Chartering Manager at WSB Advisors. -
Where’s my black cat? It’s Friday the 13th!
By Alexandre Vilela
On this spooky day, let’s dive into some salty seafarer superstitions and Frigga’s (Norse goddess of Friday) wisdom:
No whistling! Unless you’re plotting mutiny or summoning a tempest, keep those lips sealed. (If you’re the cook, it’s okay—whistling means you’re not stealing the snacks!)
Skip the scissors. Cutting your hair or nails onboard? Nope! Let them grow wild—unless you’re trimming away your fortune.
Renaming a boat? Think again. It’s not just a name change; it’s a full ritual. Forget the ceremony, and Poseidon might not pick up your calls.
Don’t mention pigs. They can’t swim, and it’s bad luck to even say the word! Call them “oinkers” or nothing at all.
Bananas are banned! Bring any onboard, and you might sink your luck—or worse, the catch. Stick to safer snacks.
Black cats = good vibes! These feline sailors are actually great omens. They predict storms, chase mice, and might even share your cabin tales.So, this Friday the 13th, embrace the quirks of seafaring lore.
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WSB Advisors at Asso31 Drydocking
Our team visited with Renave Shipyard AHTS Asso Trentuno drydocking yesterday (December 11).
The vessel is being prepared for the new charter with Petrobras after successfully completing previous contract. WSB Advisors is pleased to service Augusta Offshore S.p.A. / Asso Marítima Navegação Ltda as brokers and beyond, a partnership that lasts for nearly a decade.
Want more details about the vessel and their contracts?
Reach us at commercial@cms.oneenergynews.com or seek access to WSB. One, the most reliable offshore market database.
WSB – We Support Your Business -
Brazilian Shipyard Industry: an insight
Is the Brazilian Shipyard Industry on the Brink of a Revival?
Can the recent bids for OSV newbuildings suggest promising signs for the resurgence of Brazil’s shipyard industry?
Transpetro has advanced with the tender for four handy-size tankers, and Petrobras has reopened the bidding process for the construction of the SEAP I and SEAP II FPSOs, emphasizing the importance of Local Content.
At this week’s FPSO Supply Connections event, Petrobras President Magda Chambriard reaffirmed the company’s commitment to creating opportunities for the national industry, driving job creation and economic growth.
Could this mark the beginning of a new chapter for Brazilian shipyards? -
ABL Group: a new purchase
By Rafael Bortoloti
Last week, ABL Group acquires 100% of Proper Marine. Transaction highlights a key trend in the maritime industry?
Recent cases:
Wilson Sons sold to MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company
A.P. Moller – Maersk acquired by DOF
PRIO acquired Sinochem Petroleum Netherlands (40% of Pelegrino field)
Boskalis acquired ALP Maritime Services
3R Petroleum and Enauta merger, formed Brava
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Gas in Colômbia: implications in Brazil
Petrobras has confirmed the largest gas discovery in Colombia’s history at the Sirius-2 well, located 77 km offshore in 830 meters of water. The discovery exceeds 6 trillion cubic feet of gas, potentially boosting Colombia’s reserves by 200%.
Production will begin with four wells, targeting 13 million cubic meters per day over the next decade. Petrobras owns 44.44% of the block, with Ecopetrol holding the remainder.
The consortium plans $1.2 billion in exploration and $2.9 billion in production investments, aligned with Petrobras’ 2025-2029 Business Plan. While the gas will serve Colombia’s needs, Brazil will benefit economically as Petrobras operates the project, and Brazilian professionals may contribute to its execution.
This discovery in the Guajira Offshore Basin, characterized by Tertiary sediments, is geologically distinct from Brazil’s Equatorial Margin. Operational logistics, such as OSVs, are expected to come from the U.S., given the proximity, says Anidio Correa, R&D – Environment Projects Lead at WSB Advisors.