On October 22, Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) hosted the 2nd Offshore Decommissioning Seminar: Challenges and Opportunities in Rio de Janeiro. The event brought together government officials, oil and gas industry leaders, legal experts, and academics to discuss advances and challenges in one of the most complex stages of offshore infrastructure life cycles. WSB was represented by Pedro Pellegrini, Intern Shipbroker at the company.
The main highlight came from Carlos Castilho, Petrobras’ General Manager for Decommissioning Projects, who presented the company’s long-term plan to decommission ten offshore platforms by 2050, including five FPSOs and five semi-submersibles, all in the Campos Basin. Platforms P-32 and P-33 are currently awaiting dismantling at shipyards and will be among the first to undergo sustainable recycling or reuse.
Petrobras also revealed plans to invest around USD 9.9 billion in decommissioning activities over the next five years. The program includes the removal and repurposing of subsea equipment, wells, monobuoys, flexible lines, and onshore facilities. Castilho clarified that Petrobras will not use PLSVs for line removal, as the operations are part of decommissioning, not standard maintenance, highlighting market opportunities for new entrants.
Over four technical panels and an opening session, participants debated key themes such as the economic relevance of decommissioning, investment opportunities, regulatory challenges, engineering solutions, circular economy, and metrics for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Pedro Pellegrini highlighted the sector’s opportunities, stating: “Brazil, according to S&P Global, is among the world’s leaders in projected offshore decommissioning investments between 2024 and 2033. This is a segment that already generates — and will continue to generate — thousands of jobs and business opportunities. At WSB, we aim to stay closely informed on developments in this evolving landscape.”
Stay informed on key offshore developments — visit wsb-one.com, our data platform trusted by leading offshore companies.
Transpetro, a subsidiary of Petrobras, has announced a public tender for the acquisition of 18 barges and 18 push boats, with deliveries expected through 2028. The process is divided into six lots, three for barges and three for push boats, and allows a single shipyard to be awarded more than one lot. Interested shipyards will have 45 days to submit their proposals.
The barges will be designed to transport a minimum of two grades fully segregated and will incorporate modern technologies. Among the 18 units to be built, ten will be of 3.000 DWT and eight of 2.000 DWT.”
According to Transpetro President Sérgio Bacci, the initiative reinforces the company’s commitment to generating consistent demand for Brazil’s shipbuilding industry while expanding its operational capacity along the entire Brazilian coast. The project also marks Transpetro’s entry into the inland navigation segment, an area in which the company had not previously operated.
The state-owned operator aims to strengthen its role in the transport of petroleum products and biofuels, supporting activity in domestic shipyards and promoting new logistics solutions for its more than 170 clients. Brazil’s inland barge market currently handles around 10 million tons of liquid bulk per year.
Daniel Buckley, Chartering Manager and tanker specialist at WSB Advisors, noted that the new barges are expected to load products at Transpetro terminals and directly supply vessels in barge-to-ship operations, such as in Guanabara Bay — a step aligned with growing demand for marine fuel distribution and logistical integration within inland waterways and protected waters
20 October 2025 – Petrobras received the operating license from Brazil’s environmental agency IBAMA to drill an exploratory well in Block FZA-M-059, located roughly 175 km off the coast of Amapá and about 500 km from the mouth of the Amazon River, in Brazil’s Equatorial Margin. Drilling operations are set to begin immediately, with an estimated duration of five months.
The approval follows completion of the Pre-Operational Assessment (APO) in August 2025 which served as the final stage of the environmental licensing process. IBAMA validated Petrobras’ emergency response plan and operational readiness before granting the license on 24 September 2025.
The company emphasized that this authorization marks a key step in Brazil’s pursuit of a new offshore frontier, combining technical excellence and environmental protection. According to Petrobras, the exploratory campaign aims to gather geological data to assess the presence of oil and gas in the region, with no production activities planned at this stage.
Stay informed on key offshore developments — visit wsb-one.com, our data platform trusted by leading offshore companies.
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 LH: Opportunity 7004497614 new deadline October 30th, 2025;
Petrobras At least 1x FSV: Opportunity 7004492292 new deadline October 30th, 2025;
Petrobras At least 1x LH: Opportunity 7004484466 new deadline October 30th, 2025;
What else is happening?
Skandi Chieftain and Skandi Olympia have been awarded 4-year RSV contracts with Petrobras, valued at approximately USD 200 million, with delivery expected in October 2026.
FPSO Peregrino
The FPSO Peregrino, operating in the Campos Basin, officially resumed production on October 17, 2025, following authorization from ANP. The platform, operated by Equinor, will now begin ramping up output after being offline since August 2025, when production was halted due to operational safety procedures.
The restart marks an important step for PRIO, which holds a 40% interest in the field. The remaining 60% stake in the Peregrino field is currently being acquired from Equinor, in a transaction expected to significantly expand PRIO’s operated portfolio in the Campos Basin.
The Peregrino FPSO produces heavy oil from shallow waters and has been a key contributor to Brazil’s offshore production since it first came online in 2011.
FPSO Peregrino (Source: Equinor)
Key Offshore Updates
Halliburton has signed new contracts to support operations in deepwater fields in the Santos Basin, with activities set to begin in 2026. In the Búzios field, the company will deploy SmartWell technology to optimize production, while in the Sépia and Atapu fields, it will supply EcoStar electric safety valves. The Stim Star Brasil vessel will also perform stimulation services to enhance the productivity and efficiency of Petrobras’ reservoirs.
SBM submitted the best proposals in Petrobras’ tender for the SEAP I and II FPSOs, valued at approximately US$ 4 bi. Petrobras now review compliance with technical and contractual requirements before awarding the contracts. Both units will follow the Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model, under which the contractor is responsible for construction, operation, and later transfer of the assets. SEAP 2 is expected to begin operations in 2030.
The SEAP project forms part of Petrobras’ broader strategy to accelerate production growth and improve access to financing.
Petrobras has announced plans to restart operations of the FPSO Cidade de Angra dos Reis in the Tupi field, following compliance with safety requirements established by Brazil’s regulatory agency, ANP . The unit has been offline since February but is expected to return to service.
The FPSO Cidade de Angra dos Reis has a production capacity of up to 50,000 barrels of oil per day and has been operating in the Tupi field since October 2010. It was the first large-capacity FPSO to begin production in the Santos Basin pre-salt area, marking a key step in Brazil’s offshore development
FPSO Cidade Angra dos Reis (Source; Petrobras)
FPSO Bacalhau
The FPSO Bacalhau has officially begun production in the Santos Basin pre-salt, marking a major step in Brazil’s offshore development. Operated by Equinor in partnership with ExxonMobil and Petrogal, the unit is among the most advanced ever deployed in the country, a 370-meter-long and 64-meter-wide floating production system with capacity to process 220,000 barrels of oil per day and store up to 2 million barrels.
Production started on October 15, 2025, at the Bacalhau field, located about 185 km off the coast of Ilhabela (São Paulo), in water depths exceeding 2,000 meters. The first phase includes 19 wells that will be gradually brought online during the ramp-up period.
The field’s recoverable reserves exceed 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe), making it one of the largest deepwater projects under development outside Petrobras’ direct operation. The FPSO, supplied and operated initially by MODEC, integrates combined-cycle gas turbines (CCGT) and advanced CO₂-abatement systems designed to keep carbon intensity around 9 kg per boe.
Ownership is distributed among Equinor (40%, operator), ExxonMobil Brasil (40%), and Petrogal Brasil (20%), with PPSA overseeing production sharing over its expected 30-year lifetime.
Special Westhon Media
Media reports say the AHTS Suvarna has been abandoned in Rio’s Canal do Cunha — leaking oil, listing, and the subject of investigations and actions against current responsible Superpesa.
The once-formidable AHTS trio – Suvarna, Sudaksha and Subhiksha – were originally part of Varun Shipping’s fleet, left adrift during the oil downturn and later registered under Wilson Sons, left over with the local shipping company.
Today?
The Brazilian Navy, Tribunal Marítimo, and ANTAQ have no record whatsoever of these vessels. They’ve been sold, scrapped, or simply vanished.
FACT CHECK:
Only Suvarna still “exists” – barely floating, rusting and spilling in the shadows of Guanabara Bay.
Sudaksha and Subhiksha? Dismantled. One of their keels now lies underwater, literally.
Yet, some “global databases” still list all three as tonnage.
Not on WSB-One.
At WSB-One.com, ships don’t vanish – they’re verified.
Next Thursday: “Por onde anda VARADA MARESIAS?”
Stay tuned.
Source: Internet
WSB at UFRJ
At the invitation of the Naval League, WSB Advisors held a special talk yesterday (October 14th) for students of Naval and Ocean Engineering at UFRJ. Four WSB professionals shared their experiences and insights on the current landscape and future opportunities in the naval and offshore industries — both essential pillars for Brazil’s energy and economic development.
Source: Plínio Ruan dos Santos Lima/Liga Naval
The two-hour roundtable was moderated by Raphael Montes (Proposals Manager) and featured Paulo Rolim (Advisory Lead), Ronaldo Lima (Senior Advisor), and Pedro Pellegrini (Intern and Naval Engineering student at UFRJ). Together, the group fostered an enriching and intergenerational dialogue, combining different but complementary perspectives on professional growth in the industry.
Source: Plínio Ruan dos Santos Lima/Liga Naval
During the discussion, WSB Advisors explained how the commercial segment operates within the naval industry, emphasizing that there is much more beyond structural calculations, EPCI projects, and classification societies. The speakers highlighted that shipbroking does not necessarily require an engineering background — although a solid understanding of vessel design and operations is a valuable advantage.
Ronaldo Lima, a civil engineer by training, shared his experience transitioning from a technical foundation into the commercial and financial sides of the offshore sector, detailing the challenges and opportunities that come with this shift.
Paulo Rolim emphasized that even in uncertain market cycles, there will always be space for skilled professionals. With five decades of experience as a naval engineer, he underlined the importance of internships, continuous learning, and the university experience as key elements in developing maturity and professional confidence.
Closing the session, Pedro Pellegrini spoke about the importance of building a strong and authentic professional network — even for those pursuing purely technical paths. He highlighted how his time at WSB Advisors has broadened his perspective, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the sector and its main players — from shipowners and charterers to drillers and service companies.
The event concluded with remarks from Plínio Ruan dos Santos Lima, Vice President and Marketing Coordinator of the Naval League, who expressed his gratitude:
“The Naval League is deeply thankful for WSB Advisors’ participation. Events like this show students the real-world side of naval engineering and its many opportunities while inspiring us with the speakers’ experiences. Every word was received with enthusiasm and will serve as valuable guidance for our professional journeys. One question that remains is: what’s more challenging — moving from the technical side to the commercial area, or the other way around?”
Staff Announcement
WSB Advisors is pleased to welcome Romulo Bacchiega, who joins the company as Head of Content & Sales.
Born in Niterói (RJ), Romulo joined the team in late October with the mission of strengthening WSB Advisors’ communication and marketing departments while fostering strategic partnerships with leading offshore market players.
With a solid career since 2004 in the Oil & Gas and Naval sectors, he brings extensive experience in technical procurement, negotiation and EPC contract management. Over the years, he has worked with major shipyards and international companies, leading acquisitions of equipment, materials and services for large-scale projects — including the construction of ships and offshore platforms.
Fluent in English and skilled in the use of Generative AI tools, Romulo holds a degree in Business Administration from ESPM, a postgraduate degree in Project Management from COPPEAD/UFRJ, and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in Digital Journalism and Communication at FAAP. He is recognized for his strong negotiation skills, strategic vision in procurement and proven ability to optimize processes and manage relationships with global suppliers.
We are excited to have Romulo on board and look forward to his contributions and growth within the group.
“It is a great pleasure and honor to join such a highly qualified and dedicated team as the one I’ve found at WSB. I am confident that we will achieve excellent results together, delivering information with accuracy and credibility while contributing to the development of the naval, offshore and energy sectors through WSB’s valuable market intelligence,” said Bacchiega.
WSB is pleased to provide an update on the current long-term tenders that are open to offer.
Open tenders:
What has changed?
Petrobras At least 1x LH: Opportunity 7004497614 new deadline October 30th, 2025;
Petrobras At least 1x FSV: Opportunity 7004492292 new deadline October 30th, 2025;
Petrobras At least 1x LH: Opportunity 7004484466 new deadline October 30th, 2025;
What else is happening?
Skandi Chieftain and Skandi Olympia have been awarded 4-year RSV contracts with Petrobras, valued at approximately USD 200 million, with delivery expected in October 2026.
Bacalhau field in the Santos Basin has officially started production, marking a key milestone for Equinor and its partners, with the field set to produce safely, efficiently and with production emissions half the industry average.
The FPSO Peregrino, operating in the Campos Basin , officially resumed production on October 17, 2025, following authorization from (ANP). The restart marks an important step for PRIO, which holds a 40% interest in the field. The remaining 60% stake in the Peregrino field is currently being acquired from Equinor, in a transaction expected to significantly expand PRIO’s operated portfolio in the Campos Basin.
The FPSO Peregrino, operating in the Campos Basin, officially resumed production on October 17, 2025, following authorization from (ANP). The platform, operated by Equinor do Brasil, will now begin ramping up output after being offline since August 2025, when production was halted due to operational safety procedures.
The restart marks an important step for PRIO, which holds a 40% interest in the field. The remaining 60% stake in the Peregrino field is currently being acquired from Equinor, in a transaction expected to significantly expand PRIO’s operated portfolio in the Campos Basin.
The Peregrino FPSO produces heavy oil from shallow waters and has been a key contributor to Brazil’s offshore production since it first came online in 2011.
Stay informed on key offshore developments — visit wsb-one.com, our data platform trusted by leading offshore companies.
The FPSO Bacalhau has officially begun production in the Santos Basin pre-salt, marking a major step in Brazil’s offshore development. Operated by Equinor in partnership with ExxonMobil and Petrogal, the unit is among the most advanced ever deployed in the country, a 370-meter-long and 64-meter-wide floating production system with capacity to process 220,000 barrels of oil per day and store up to 2 million barrels.
Production started on October 15, 2025, at the Bacalhau field, located about 185 km off the coast of Ilhabela (São Paulo), in water depths exceeding 2,000 meters. The first phase includes 19 wells that will be gradually brought online during the ramp-up period.
FPSO Bacalhau (Source: MODEC)
The field’s recoverable reserves exceed 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe), making it one of the largest deepwater projects under development outside Petrobras’ direct operation. The FPSO, supplied and operated initially by MODEC, integrates combined-cycle gas turbines (CCGT) and advanced CO₂-abatement systems designed to keep carbon intensity around 9 kg per boe.
Ownership is distributed among Equinor (40%, operator), ExxonMobil Brasil (40%), and Petrogal Brasil (20%), with PPSA overseeing production sharing over its expected 30-year lifetime.
Stay informed on key offshore developments — visit wsb-one.com, our data platform trusted by leading offshore companies.
Media reports say the AHTS Suvarna has been abandoned in Rio’s Canal do Cunha — leaking oil, listing, and the subject of investigations and actions against current Superpesa’s responsability.
The once-formidable AHTS trio – Suvarna, Sudaksha and Subhiksha – were originally part of Varun Shipping’s fleet, left adrift during the oil downturn and later registered under Wilson Sons, left over with the local shipping company.
Today?
The Brazilian Navy, Tribunal Marítimo, and ANTAQ have no record whatsoever of these vessels. They’ve been sold, scrapped, or simply vanished.
FACT CHECK:
Only Suvarna still “exists” – barely floating, rusting and spilling in the shadows of Guanabara Bay.
Sudaksha and Subhiksha?
Dismantled. One of their keels now lies underwater, literally.
Yet, some “global databases” still list all three as tonnage. Not on WSB.One.
At WSB.One, ships don’t vanish – they’re verified.
At the invitation of the Naval League, WSB Advisors held a special talk yesterday (October 14th) for students of Naval and Ocean Engineering at UFRJ. Four WSB professionals shared their experiences and insights on the current landscape and future opportunities in the naval and offshore industries — both essential pillars for Brazil’s energy and economic development.
Source: Plínio Ruan dos Santos Lima/Liga Naval
The two-hour roundtable was moderated by Raphael Montes (Proposals Manager) and featured Paulo Rolim (Advisory Lead), Ronaldo Lima (Senior Advisor), and Pedro Pellegrini (Intern and Naval Engineering student at UFRJ). Together, the group fostered an enriching and intergenerational dialogue, combining different but complementary perspectives on professional growth in the industry.
Source: Plínio Ruan dos Santos Lima/Liga Naval
During the discussion, WSB Advisors explained how the commercial segment operates within the naval industry, emphasizing that there is much more beyond structural calculations, EPCI projects, and classification societies. The speakers highlighted that shipbroking does not necessarily require an engineering background — although a solid understanding of vessel design and operations is a valuable advantage.
Ronaldo Lima, a civil engineer by training, shared his experience transitioning from a technical foundation into the commercial and financial sides of the offshore sector, detailing the challenges and opportunities that come with this shift.
Paulo Rolim emphasized that even in uncertain market cycles, there will always be space for skilled professionals. With five decades of experience as a naval engineer, he underlined the importance of internships, continuous learning, and the university experience as key elements in developing maturity and professional confidence.
Closing the session, Pedro Pellegrini spoke about the importance of building a strong and authentic professional network — even for those pursuing purely technical paths. He highlighted how his time at WSB Advisors has broadened his perspective, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the sector and its main players — from shipowners and charterers to drillers and service companies.
The event concluded with remarks from Plínio Ruan dos Santos Lima, Vice President and Marketing Coordinator of the Naval League, who expressed his gratitude:
“The Naval League is deeply thankful for WSB Advisors’ participation. Events like this show students the real-world side of naval engineering and its many opportunities while inspiring us with the speakers’ experiences. Every word was received with enthusiasm and will serve as valuable guidance for our professional journeys. One question that remains is: what’s more challenging — moving from the technical side to the commercial area, or the other way around?”
Source: Plínio Ruan dos Santos Lima/Liga Naval
Stay informed on key offshore developments — visit wsb-one.com, our data platform trusted by leading offshore companies.
WSB Advisors is pleased to welcome Romulo Bacchiega, who joins the company as Head of Content & Sales.
Born in Niterói (RJ), Romulo joined the team in late October with the mission of strengthening WSB Advisors’ communication and marketing departments while fostering strategic partnerships with leading offshore market players.
With a solid career since 2004 in the Oil & Gas and Naval sectors, he brings extensive experience in technical procurement, negotiation and EPC contract management. Over the years, he has worked with major shipyards and international companies, leading acquisitions of equipment, materials and services for large-scale projects — including the construction of ships and offshore platforms.
Fluent in English and skilled in the use of Generative AI tools, Romulo holds a degree in Business Administration from ESPM, a postgraduate degree in Project Management from COPPEAD/UFRJ, and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in Digital Journalism and Communication at FAAP. He is recognized for his strong negotiation skills, strategic vision in procurement and proven ability to optimize processes and manage relationships with global suppliers.
We are excited to have Romulo on board and look forward to his contributions and growth within the group.
“It is a great pleasure and honor to join such a highly qualified and dedicated team as the one I’ve found at WSB. I am confident that we will achieve excellent results together, delivering information with accuracy and credibility while contributing to the development of the naval, offshore and energy sectors through WSB’s valuable market intelligence,” said Bacchiega.
Stay informed on key offshore developments — visit wsb-one.com, our data platform trusted by leading offshore companies.
Petrobras has announced plans to restart operations of the FPSO Cidade de Angra dos Reis in the Tupi field, following compliance with safety requirements established by Brazil’s regulatory agency, ANP – Agência Nacional do Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis. The unit has been offline since February but is expected to return to service.
The Cidade de Angra dos Reis has a production capacity of up to 50,000 barrels of oil per day and has been operating in the Tupi field since October 2010. It was the first large-capacity FPSO to begin production in the Santos Basin pre-salt area, marking a key step in Brazil’s offshore development.
Petrobras has extended the charter of the unit through 2030, when its decommissioning is planned. The Tupi consortium is operated by Petrobras (67.216%), alongside Shell (23.024%), Petrogal Brasil S.A. (9.209%), and PPSA (Pré-Sal Petróleo S/A) (0.551%). Tupi remains Brazil’s second-largest producing field, behind only Búzios.
Stay informed on key offshore developments — visit wsb-one.com, our data platform trusted by leading offshore companies.
This Tuesday, October 14th, WSB Advisors will take part in an event organized by the Naval League at the Technology Center of UFRJ, strengthening the connection between academia and the offshore industry.
The meeting will be held in a roundtable format and aims to discuss the multiple career paths available to naval engineers — paths that go far beyond enclosed environments, computer screens and spreadsheets.
The purpose is to present to future professionals the broad commercial scope of the naval and offshore industries, which offer real career opportunities in strategic areas such as negotiation, project development, maritime operations and asset planning.
Under the theme “Where Technique Becomes Strategy: The Commercial Vision of Naval Engineering,” four WSB Advisors professionals will share their experiences and perspectives on the current landscape and future opportunities within the naval and offshore sectors — both fundamental to Brazil’s energy and economic development.
Representing the company: Paulo Rolim, Advisory Lead Pedro Pellegrini, Shipbroker Intern Raphael Montes, Proposals Manager Ronaldo Lima, Senior Advisor
The event will conclude with a coffee break and networking session, offering an opportunity for students, researchers and industry professionals to exchange ideas and strengthen connections within the sector.
