One Energy News

Author: Rafael Bortoloti

  • Karoon assumes full operatorship of Baúna FPSO

    Karoon assumes full operatorship of Baúna FPSO

    Karoon Energy has completed the transition process and officially assumed operatorship of the Baúna FPSO, formerly known as Cidade de Itajaí, in May.

    The company acquired the FPSO from Altera Infrastructure and Ocyan in April 2025 for US$115 million, excluding transaction-related costs. Since then, Karoon and A&O have carried out an extensive transition program covering personnel, contracts, management systems and operational processes.

    To support the handover, Karoon recruited personnel, transferred key service agreements and implemented new management systems, while securing all required regulatory approvals in Brazil.

    According to the company, the transition was completed without disrupting operations. More than 80% of the existing FPSO workforce remained with the project, helping maintain operational continuity at the Baúna field in the Santos Basin.

    CEO and Managing Director Carri Lockhart stated that more than 700 people participated in the company’s strategic initiatives throughout the transition process. She added that assuming operatorship of the FPSO represents an important milestone in Karoon’s evolution into a fully integrated offshore oil and gas operator.

  • Seastar Virtus begins new chapter in offshore operations

    Seastar Virtus begins new chapter in offshore operations

    The PSV Seastar Virtus has officially commenced operations under a new contract, marking the conclusion of a refurbishment and reactivation program that brought the former Milan Tide back to active service.

    Built in 2003 by Estaleiro Promar in Niterói and originally delivered to Tidewater, the vessel spent years operating in Brazilian offshore waters before later joining Astromarítima’s fleet as Astro CMT Matos.

    Following a prolonged period out of service, the vessel was acquired by Seastar Brasil and underwent an extensive docking, refurbishment and class reinstatement program at DockBrasil Shipyard.

    In December 2025, WSB highlighted the project as a rare example of a Brazilian-built PSV being brought back to operational relevance through significant technical and financial commitment.

    Now, with the start of a new contract, the vessel has completed the transition from laid-up asset to active offshore unit.

    The milestone also reinforces a broader trend seen in Brazil’s offshore support vessel market, where existing tonnage continues to attract investment amid sustained demand for operationally ready assets.

  • WSB Advisors — Open Tenders

    WSB Advisors — Open Tenders

    Dear All,

    Below is the latest tender activity monitored by WSB Advisors, including new deadlines and recently released opportunities in Brazil’s offshore market.

    What has changed?

    • Petrobras — At least 1x FSC: Opportunity 7004601531, new deadline June 9th, 2026
    • Petrobras — Up to 2x AHTS: Opportunity 7004345558, new deadline June 16th, 2026
    • Petrobras — At least 1x PLSV: Opportunity 7004549819, new deadline June 19th, 2026

    Stay informed on key offshore developments — visit wsb-one.com, our data platform trusted by leading offshore companies.

  • Petrobras unveils R$75 Bi investment plan

    Petrobras unveils R$75 Bi investment plan

    Brazil’s offshore and marine sectors continue to receive strong long-term investment signals from Petrobras.

    In two major announcements this week, the company confirmed more than R$ 75 billion in combined investments across Sergipe and Amazonas, reinforcing the strategic importance of offshore production, gas infrastructure, logistics, and regional marine operations in Brazil.

    In Sergipe, Petrobras announced investments exceeding R$ 72.5 billion, including the development of the Sergipe Águas Profundas project, alongside initiatives involving platforms, fertilizers, and industrial infrastructure. The program is expected to generate around 28,000 direct and indirect jobs.

    Meanwhile, in the Amazonas region, Petrobras confirmed more than R$ 2.8 billion in investments focused on expanding natural gas production in Urucu and strengthening inland marine logistics. The package includes the construction of 18 barges at Bertolini shipyard aimed at optimizing fuel supply operations and reducing logistics costs across northern Brazil.

    For the offshore and marine market, the message is clear:

    Brazil continues to expand its long-term energy and logistics infrastructure footprint — creating future demand across vessel operations, shipbuilding, offshore support, gas monetization, inland navigation, and industrial services.

    The scale and geographic diversity of these projects also reinforce how strategic marine transportation and offshore assets remain to Petrobras’ broader investment agenda.

    For more strategic updates, market intelligence, and exclusive coverage of Brazil’s offshore & marine sectors, visit the WSB Advisors website at cms.oneenergynews.com and stay connected to the industry’s latest developments.

  • Baker Hughes extends deal with Petrobras

    Baker Hughes extends deal with Petrobras

    Baker Hughes has announced the expansion of its contract with Petrobras to provide integrated well construction solutions across oilfields in Brazil’s Santos Basin. The agreement strengthens the company’s role in offshore operations linked to the development of Brazil’s pre-salt resources.

    The project includes the deployment of advanced drilling technologies, such as rotary steerable systems, logging-while-drilling tools and extended-life drill bits for deepwater wells. According to the company, the solutions are expected to improve operational efficiency and support access to subsurface reservoirs.

    The work will be carried out jointly by Baker Hughes’ Integration & Solutions team and Petrobras’ wells team, also covering services related to cementing, wellbore clean-up, fluids and geosciences.

  • Baúna projetct resumes production

    Baúna projetct resumes production

    Karoon Energy has resumed production from the Baúna Project in the Santos Basin, offshore Brazil, following completion of a planned 28-day shutdown for maintenance and revitalization activities.

    Production resumed on May 13, 2026, after the shutdown began on April 14. Following the ramp-up process, Baúna is currently producing approximately 11,500 barrels of oil per day.

    Karoon expects an additional 9,000 to 10,000 barrels of oil per day to return around mid-year, subject to the successful replacement of the Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) in SPS-92 and the recovery and reconnection of the PRA-2 umbilical, scheduled for early Q3 2026.

    The maintenance scope included replacement of several piping sections, including parts of the production header system, upgrades to critical systems, and replacement of structural components and fittings. The campaign also included surface treatment, painting activities across several areas, and underwater hull inspections on the FPSO Cidade de Itajaí.

    According to Karoon, the shutdown was completed on schedule and is expected to remain within budget. The company also stated that the broader flotel-supported maintenance and revitalization campaign is expected to improve system stability and support FPSO operational efficiency levels between 90% and 95%.

    The Baúna field remains one of Karoon Energy’s core producing assets in Brazil’s offshore sector.

  • MARKET NOTE | OFFSHORE & MARINE

    MARKET NOTE | OFFSHORE & MARINE

    Petrobras has officially postponed the closing date for Opportunity No. 7004345558, related to the chartering of up to two AHTS vessels along with the provision of specialized technical services.

    The bid, originally scheduled to close today, May 27, has now been rescheduled to June 16, 2026.

    The move further increases market attention surrounding what is widely seen as one of the most significant offshore support vessel tenders in Brazil this year, particularly for the marine support sector and potential newbuild activity within the country’s shipbuilding industry.

    WSB Advisors will continue monitoring the next developments related to this opportunity.

  • Open Tenders

    Open Tenders

    By Maria Eduarda Camba

    WSB Advisors OPEN TENDERS

    Dear All,

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

    New opportunities were released across ongoing Petrobras tenders. Below are the latest changes monitored by WSB Advisors.

    What has changed?

    • Petrobras — At least 1x OSRV 105: Opportunity 7004497861, released June 10th, 2026

    Stay informed on key offshore developments — visit wsb-one.com, our data platform trusted by leading offshore companies.

  • ANP sets date for 2026 O&G bidding rounds

    ANP sets date for 2026 O&G bidding rounds

    Brazil’s National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) has scheduled the public bid sessions for the 6th Cycle of the Permanent Concession Offer (OPC) and the 4th Cycle of the Permanent Production Sharing Offer (OPP) for October 7.

    Under the concession regime, the upcoming round may include five marginal accumulation areas and 495 exploratory blocks. The production sharing model is expected to include 23 blocks located within Brazil’s pre-salt polygon.

    Currently, 36 companies are registered for the OPC and 15 for the OPP. Companies may still apply to participate until June 5.

    ANP is expected to announce the sectors and blocks included in both cycles on August 6, while declarations of interest and bid guarantees must be submitted by July 21.

    The upcoming rounds reinforce Brazil’s position as one of the world’s most active offshore exploration markets, particularly amid continued interest in deepwater and pre-salt opportunities.

  • Saipem and Petrobras – MoU focuses on Brazil decomissioning

    Saipem and Petrobras – MoU focuses on Brazil decomissioning

    Saipem and Petrobras have signed a one-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to evaluate and potentially develop integrated solutions for decommissioning activities in Brazil. The agreement covers well abandonment and plugging operations, aiming to improve efficiency, sustainability and innovation levels in end-of-life infrastructure activities.

    It is important to note that the document is non-binding, meaning that any future developments will depend on additional agreements between the parties. As part of the cooperation, Saipem and Petrobras will also assess partnerships with companies and institutions specialized in decommissioning, as well as the development and implementation of new technologies, methodologies and integrated solutions for this specific segment.

    The collaboration also includes the evaluation of logistical and operational alternatives, such as the use of drilling units and vessels, in addition to enhancing existing practices to overcome technical and operational challenges associated with offshore decommissioning activities in Brazil.

  • Staff Announcement – Vanessa Costa

    Staff Announcement – Vanessa Costa

    WSB Advisors is pleased to announce the arrival of Vanessa Costa as the company’s new Brokerage & Commercial Strategy Lead. With more than 15 years of experience in the energy and offshore sectors, Vanessa brings a unique combination of technical expertise, commercial vision and international market knowledge.

    A Chemical Engineer graduated from PUC-Rio, she built a solid career in the Oil & Gas industry, with extensive experience in business development, commercial strategy and offshore operations across Latin America.

    A significant part of her professional journey was built at bp/Castrol, where she held technical and commercial roles across the LATAM region from 2016 to 2024. During this period, Vanessa strengthened relationships with global partners, managed strategic commercial contracts and actively contributed to initiatives focused on ethical leadership, diversity and innovation within the energy sector.

    Throughout her career, she also developed expertise in offshore market dynamics, vessel operations, energy transition and international business development, becoming a respected voice within the industry.

    At WSB Advisors, Vanessa will focus on expanding brokerage opportunities, strengthening strategic commercial relationships and supporting the company’s continued growth in Brazil and international markets.

    In addition, she will reinforce the existing commercial structure, bringing a collaborative approach and strong market intelligence to ongoing and future projects. Her arrival represents another important step in WSB Advisors’ commitment to delivering high-level strategic solutions to the maritime, offshore and energy industries.

    Welcome to the team!

    #offshore #shipbroking #wsb #staffannouncement #commercial

  • Breaking news

    Breaking news

    Wilson Sons tugboats surrounded the MSC Katrina into Guanabara Bay. The impressive New Panamax vessel measures 366 meters in length. Part of the operation could be seen directly from our office in downtown Rio de Janeiro.

    Petrobras announced R$ 37 billion in investments in the state of São Paulo through 2030, with a focus on refining, biorefining, E&P, decarbonization, and sustainable energy generation projects. Part of the investment will go to the Paulínia Refinery, which will receive R$ 6 billion to expand production capacity and strengthen the supply of more sustainable fuels.

    Petrobras reported net income of R$ 32.7 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up 110% compared to the previous quarter. The result was driven by higher production, stronger Brent prices, and improved operational performance.

    MSC Katrina
    MSC Katrina (Source: Porto do Rio)