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.
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Edison chouest: Kystdesign
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Strengthened bonds: WSB/Westhon and Syndarma/ABEAM
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.
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MPSV opportunity
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. -
Sealink 178 in Rio de Janeiro
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? -
Westhon around the world
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! -
WSB tips – Open Tenders & More
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?
- Petrobras 2x OSRVs: Opportunity 7004326931 new deadline Mar 20th, 2025;
- Petrobras 1x MPSV: Opportunity 7004338955 still closes today 17:00h LT.
What else is happening?
- A busy week full of good news. Brazilian market is on fire! 🔥
- WSUT has started two 4-year firm PSV contracts with Petrobras.
- Bram extended three contracts with Petrobras until the end of Q2 2025, started a PSV contract and is mobilizing several vessels that will soon be on hire.
- The AHTS market is booming and CBO is dominating the spot market for Oil Companies with its Terra Brasilis series.
- Camorim is ready to expand its strong presence in port support to the offshore sector as well. In addition to starting the Aegis contract and mobilizing the S178, they’re aiming to bring more vessels by taking advantage of their vast tonnage.
- The 10x OSRVs newbuilding contract is still pending. What could be delaying it?
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Petrobras shaking up the market
By Rafael Bortoloti
New Wave of Petrobras Contracts Signals Market Revival!
The recent Petrobras bids for chartering two AHTS vessels and constructing eight LPG carriers highlight a significant uptick in market activity, signaling a potential resurgence in the sector. In addition to these opportunities, Petrobras is expected to conclude nine more tenders by the end of May, with particular hopes surrounding the bids for eight new RSVs and two AHTS-TO vessels.
This Friday (14th), Petrobras is set to announce the results of its tenders for the chartering of two OSRVs and one MPSV, the latter being a rare opportunity that has drawn considerable interest from shipowners. On Monday (17th), expectations are high for the conclusion of the SOB (flotel) charter bid, another unusual and noteworthy opportunity in the market.
Looking ahead, Petrobras/Transpetro is expected to launch additional LPG carrier opportunities, along with a new wave of OSV bids, including OSRVs, PSVs, AHTS, and RSVs. The possibility of newbuilding requests further reinforces the company’s aggressive stance in expanding its fleet and strengthening its position in the industry as well as the shipbuilding industry.
For more details on all available opportunities, contact comercial@cms.oneenergynews.com and visit cms.oneenergynews.com.
WSB – We Support Your Business -
Fuel: looking for a solution?
In February 2025, the maritime transport market saw a surge in demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessels, with eight new tanker orders increasing the global LNG-fueled fleet by 50%. The data, published by Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) from DNV, reinforces the industry’s shift towards sustainable fueling solutions, moving away from traditional Marine Gas Oil (MGO), which is characterized by high CO2 emissions. Additionally, MGO is subject to carbon taxation per ton emitted, making it increasingly less viable from an economic perspective.
However, the search for alternative fuels is taking different directions. Unlike the aviation industry, which has established a global standard, maritime transport remains fragmented, with companies betting on different solutions—ranging from LNG and ammonia to methanol and synthetic fuels. This raises a key question: how can the industry ensure the refueling capacity for these vessels across different continents and ports?
“Beyond the alternatives already in the market, we see players exploring even more options. This is exciting, but could it become a structural issue? Imagine a vessel traveling between countries using a specific fuel—will all ports and bunkering companies be prepared to supply it? It might impose some route restrictions”, reflects Anidio Correa, R&D Environment Projects Lead at WSB Advisors.
The future of maritime transport will be shaped not just by the fuel alternatives available but also by their global feasibility, including workforce training. The sector is moving toward an energy transition, but the lack of standardization could pose as significant a challenge as decarbonization itself.
How do you see this issue evolving? -
WSB tips – Open Tenders & More
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?
- Petrobras 2x AHTS-TO: Opportunity 7004388639 released Mar 10th, 2025;
- Petrobras 2x OSRVs: Opportunity 7004326931 new deadline Apr 14th, 2025;
- Petrobras 3x WSSVs: Opportunity 7004331236 new deadline Apr 21th, 2025.
What else is happening?
- Subsea7 progresses with AHTS for Búzios 8. Even though Carnival is over, market remains rattling and windows are challenging. Can SS7 keep up with the rythmn?
- FPSO Bacalhau hooked up and anchored. Station keeping tugs all returned to Guanabara Bay, except some will not stay for long…
- Want to know everything about new requirements, contract windows, time charter, bareboat and spot opportunities, daily rates for each vessel, fortnightly meetings and countless other pieces of information? Get in touch with us to learn more about our package featuring the most complete database in the market: WSB.One!
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Petrobras: new AHTS bid
Petrobras has launched a new tender, now for the chartering of two AHTS-TO vessels, both with a contract duration of four years, starting in December 2025. Proposals must be submitted by the end of 31 March in a closed bidding process.
The vessels must have DP-2, at least 150 tons of bollard pull and cannot exceed 25 years of age.
Petronect opportunity: 7004388639
For more information, contact: comercial@cms.oneenergynews.com
Place your bets. -
March 8: Happy International Women’s Day
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate women’s leadership, resilience, and innovation in all aspects of life.
At WSB Advisors, we value and recognize the talent and significant contributions of women in our teams and communities.
Together, we continue to build a more inclusive and equal future. Congratulations to all the women on their special day! -
FPSO in Brazilian waters: boosting Mero field
The FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão has arrived in Brazilian waters. Built by SBM and chartered by Petrobras, the vessel left China in December last year and is expected to begin production in mid-2025.
With a production capacity of 180,000 barrels of oil per day and the ability to compress 12 million cubic meters of gas daily, the FPSO will increase production at the Mero field (Santos Basin) by approximately 35%. Last Friday (28), Mero set a new production record, reaching 500,000 boe/d.
“Mero is Brazil’s third-largest field in terms of oil in place and production, behind only Tupi and Búzios. Production will continue to grow with the ramp-up of the FPSO Marechal Duque de Caxias and the start-up of the Alexandre de Gusmão. We’ve heavily invested in technological development, which allows us to increase productivity while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, all with safety and integrity,” says Sylvia Anjos, Petrobras’ Director of Exploration and Production.