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?
What else is happening?
North Sea’s term and spot markets haven’t developed as expected and rates for large PSVs are still holding at the USD 20k gross vicinity for UK, Norwegian sectors. The proximity to the summer season is not followed by consistent requirements as of yet. The surplus on available tonnage poises challenges to fleet over 15 years. Younger tonnage takes precedence.
Brazil has attracted some S&P and bareboat charters and attention to the Petrobras requirements is gaining traction as the oil national maintains its 45-50 PSVs hiring for the next 24 months cycle.
“The aging Brazilian fleet, combined with an only recent new building’s program make it the perfect opportunity for middle-aged tonnage from North Sea to find 4-8 years’ employment in Brazil at gross rates surpassing USD 50k. The time is now for bareboat contracts with purchase options if the foreign owner is able to secure a local partner with excess Brazilian tonnage to provide the flag coverage, or even for foreign flag with the risks it entails” says Pedro Pellegrini, Shipbroker Intern at WSB Advisors.
WSB Advisors-sponsored athlete Clara Vilela, 15, and her horse, Voando Bay Equus Lúdico, secured second place in the first of 11 stages of the 2025 RK FEERJ. The event took place last weekend in Rio de Janeiro.
Competing against 47 other pairs, Clara delivered a flawless performance, narrowly missing the gold by just two milliseconds. This result reinforces her progress toward a professional level in the sport.
“The competition was an incredible learning experience for both me and my horse. This result confirms that we are on the right path toward professionalization. It’s a highly demanding sport that requires not only skill but also deep synergy with the horse. With confidence, courage, and determination, we’re ready to jump even higher,” says Clara.
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?
What else is happening?
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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?
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!