One Energy News

Author: Rafael Bortoloti

  • EPRD Congro tender

    EPRD Congro tender

    Petrobras received 6 proposals for the EPRD Congro submerged buoy decommissioning tender. Leading the pack is Oceanpact, potentially poised to win the contract with a slender 10% price advantage over the two contenders getting anywhere closer.

    This project presents unique challenges, as the buoy is currently moored submerged under positive pressure. It requires precise disconnection and controlled refloatation—a complex engineering feat. The initial installation 10 years ago was equally demanding, involving torpedo anchors enhanced by additional weight to ensure proper inclination and stability.

  • Petrobras takes in 10 more PSVs

    Petrobras takes in 10 more PSVs

    Petrobras is evaluating the results of their end of 2023 tender to charter up to 21 PSVs. As of now, 10 vessels qualified, including 4 under foreign flags. Bram leads with four vessels qualified, three of which are foreign-flagged. Wilson Sons follows with two.

    “Out of the 16 vessels expected to be hired—down from the initially anticipated 21—the discrepancy largely stems from budget constraints and higher-than-forecasted rates”, says Omar Darian, Chartering Manager at WSB. Additionally, the chartering Certificate by ANTAQ requires annual renewal, which remains a significant consideration for foreign-flagged vessels. Six additional offers are undergoing diligence.

  • Tenders are announced

    Tenders are announced

    Petrobras has initiated a new series of tenders. This invitation to tender includes the chartering of up to 5 Oil Spill Recovery Vessels (OSRVs 750), segmented into two distinct batches based on flag requirements—Batch A for vessels under the Brazilian flag and Batch B for those with foreign flags. These vessels should be constructed post-1997, equipped with DP-1 systems, and offer at least 150m² of free deck space.

    Key Details:

    Batch A Delivery: March 2025 or within 180 days post-contract signing.

    Batch B Delivery: July 2025 or within 270 days post-contract signing.

    Contract Term: Four years, firm.

    Additionally, Petrobras seeks to charter up to 2 Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) that were built within the last 20 years. Both Brazilian and foreign flags will be considered, with a preference for Brazilian flags. These contracts also span four years and require delivery by May 2025 or within 240 days following contract signing.

    Submission Deadline: May 15th.

    “We notice a change in this tender round: fewer vessels than usual and incremented age tolerance on the OSRVs. Petrobras is reacting to the market conditions”- says Omar Darian, Chartering Manager with WSB Advisors.

    For more details or to discuss potential partnerships, please connect with us directly on LinkedIn or via email at commercial@cms.oneenergynews.com.

  • Petrobras publishes second partial result of PLSV tender

    Petrobras publishes second partial result of PLSV tender

    Petrobras unveiled the second partial results of its 2023 tender for PLSVs, highlighting a significant engagement from Sapura Navegação Marítima S.A. and Subsea7. Awarded vessels include the foreign-flagged Sapura Rubi, Jade, Onix, Diamante, Topazio and Seven Waves, Sun, Cruzeiro and Rio, alongside Brazilian-flagged Sapura Esmeralda and from Technip Skandi Niteroi.

    Technip‘s Skandi Açu and Oceanicasub’s yet unnamed (TBN) are under technical diligence phase.

    “Numerous vessels offered under both Brazilian and foreign flag, understandably priced higher due to local crew costs, taxation, and tonnage when on BR flag, were overlooked in favor of foreign-flag. Not surprisingly anymore, even locally built ships offered under a foreign flag, which reflect local cost structures, were excluded due to excessive price. When will charterers truly commit to supporting local industry, if the option was there?” ponders Alexandre Mattar Vilela , CEO of Westhon and WSB Advisors.

  • Petrobras Innovative Workshop

    Petrobras Innovative Workshop

    Petrobras hosted on April 24th the “mini ROV” workshop focused on the cutting-edge application of “mini ROVs” in shallow-water operations. This groundbreaking technology presents a viable alternative to traditional shallow-water diving, significantly enhancing safety by reducing risk exposure in offshore environments. Our business partners, BRS Submarine Robotics, in attendance.

    Renowned for their expertise in shallow-water mini ROV services, BRS specializes in a variety of critical operations, including duct, structural integrity and sun-coral inspections, pull-in support, among others. A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Shallow-water ROV Support Vessel, a concept developed through a strategic collaboration between WSB Advisors, EMBRAREB, and BRS. The SRSV designation draws inspiration from Petrobras’s traditional approach to categorizing its fleet, signifying a new chapter in operational efficiency and technological advancement. The workshop marked the successful introduction of a new vessel category, a significant leap forward in offshore operational capabilities.

  • Perenco takes the helm

    Perenco takes the helm

    Bagre oil fields, for a sum of $10 million—$1 million upfront and an additional $9 million upon closing. Notably, no contingent payments or adjustments have been disclosed in this transaction.

    Faced with the costly prospect of decommissioning these assets, Petrobras’s decision to offload Cherne and Bagre may seem more like a strategic retreat than a loss. The Brazilian oil giant has demonstrated adeptness in shedding less-central assets, typically resulting in sustainable outcomes for both itself and the acquirers. This isn’t Perenco’s first rodeo either; following their acquisition of the Pargo, Carapeba, and Vermelho fields, they recently integrated an FSO as an alternative to the existing Garoupa infrastructure for production exports.

    Initially put on the market in 2019 (Bank of America as advisors), the Garoupa cluster—which includes the now-sold fields—drew interest from industry players like Trident Energy, Premier Oil, and Perenco. However, a deal failed to materialize by mid-2020, prompting Petrobras to hibernate the fields amid fluctuating production levels, which stood at approximately 4,000 boed/d by Q4 2023. Cherne and Bagre production was ceased in March 2020.

  • Opinion: Petrobras Payment Promisse

    Opinion: Petrobras Payment Promisse

    Renowned as one of the most reliable contracting companies for payment timeliness, Petrobras has announced a strategic update to its payment policies. Under the new plan, the company will settle invoices for maintenance and administrative support within 30 days.

    Alexandre Vilela, CEO of Westhon commented: “Petrobras is reinforcing its commitment to the business community by ensuring prompt payments. This initiative not only secures Petrobras’s position as a leader in the sector but also attracts more suppliers and prompts competitive pricing. This comes at a critical time when many other companies continue to exert pressure on suppliers by extending payment terms to 90 days or more.”

    This announcement is part of a broader initiative by Petrobras to modernize its sourcing processes, incorporating new tools and more flexible rules for supplier approval.

  • Petrobras announces bids for 10 OSRVs and 11 additional PSVs

    Petrobras announces bids for 10 OSRVs and 11 additional PSVs

    At the IBP Summit on naval construction, Petrobras CEO Jean-Paul Prates announced that the oil giant plans to issue a bid for 10 Oil Spill Recovery Vessels (OSRVs) by the end of this year. Additionally, a future bid for 11 Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) is planned, though the date has yet to be determined. This announcement comes as the company is already in the process of hiring a targeted number of 12 PSVs through an ongoing tender.

  • Petrobras new tenders

    Petrobras new tenders

    After a few months without new bids for chartering OSVs, last week Petrobras opened 2 new bids: one for hiring up to 4 PSVs but in SEP format where proposals and results are not publicly disclosed, and another for hiring up to 3 AHTS-TO. Both bids are for a single lot and have a 4-year contract duration. The last tender for contracting PSVs had been opened at the end of last year and proposals were received in February of this year however, until now, no information has been released about the result nor a forecast of how many vessels will actually be contracted. As for AHTS, the latest bids were for hiring 1x AHTS-TS with results already published, and AHTS-R which closed in November last year but with no final results yet announced

  • Happy hout at Westhon

    Happy hout at Westhon

    Once a month we host a happy hour on the Westhon company’s rooftop – a welcome break after work! And last thursday (11) was no different: a very special moment, with the presence of good companies and an excellent opportunity to socialize, strengthen relationships and expand networking.

    Thank’s for this night!

  • Opinion: Equatorial Margin safe in Petrobras hands

    Opinion: Equatorial Margin safe in Petrobras hands

    Petrobras has announced the discovery of oil accumulation in the ultra-deep waters (2,196m) of the Potiguar Basin, a section of the Equatorial Margin that has stirred controversy. This significant find is situated between the states of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte in the Northeast of Brazil, marking the second discovery within the Basin this year—the first occurring in January roughly 24 kilometers away. Petrobras, serving as the operator for both concessions, maintains a complete ownership stake in each.

    “Petrobras has extensive experience in drilling almost 3,000 wells in deep and ultra-deep-water settings, with a consistent track record of operations devoid of adverse environmental impacts”; Genesio Ramos, Offshore Projects Lead of WSB Advisors, commented on these developments.

    “This discovery arrives amidst a period of political turbulence within Petrobras accentuated by discussions around the potential change of its president, Jean Paul Prates, albeit Ministers Haddad (Economy) and Silveira (Energy) moderating in favor of Prates. The Potiguar Basin discoveries adds a positive note”; Alexandre Vilela, CEO of WSB.

  • OceanPact signs contract with Petrobras

    OceanPact signs contract with Petrobras

    OceanPact signed a new contract with Petrobras for a period of four years to charter three OSRVs for a total value of R$650 million. The vessels Fernando de Noronha, Jim O’Brien and Macaé will be servicing Petrobras in operations off the Brazilian coast in cases of environmental emergencies.

    It is the second major movement involving the two companies. At the end of 2023, OceanPact had already signed a R$485 million agreement with Petrobras to provide inspections of FPSOs and semi-submersible platforms until 2026.