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  • FPSO starts production

    FPSO starts production

    The FPSO Marechal Duque de Caxias started production last Wednesday (30). The unit, located in Mero 3, Libra block, in the Santos Basin, has the capacity to produce up to 180,000 boed (barrels of oil equivalent per day) and can compress up to 12 million m³ of gas daily, increasing total field productivity from 410,000 boed to 590,000 boed.

    The vessel was built by MISC, departed from China in February, and arrived in Brazil in May. In total, there will be 15 wells, consisting of 8 oil producers and 7 water and gas injectors, connected to the platform via subsea infrastructure.

    We at WSB are proud to be part of this milestone. In partnership with major companies like Belov, MISC, and CBO, WSB Advisors played a key role in various stages of the FPSO installation—from chartering offshore support vessels and coordinating complex engineering tasks to facilitating vessel inspections.

    “Brokerage and Beyond,” – We are always ready for new challenges.

    Want to know more about our involvement in the FPSO Marechal Duque de Caxias project? Read more here.
    WSB – We Support your Business

  • Brazilian Equatorial Margin and WSB Advisors

    Brazilian Equatorial Margin and WSB Advisors

    WSB is actively supporting clients study the Equatorial Margin. Authorities and operators are discussing the last details on licensing for the region.

    In our latest edition of One.Energy, we provide an in-depth overview of the region through the insights of our geologist Anidio Correa, R&D Environment Projects Lead at WSB Advisors.

    Click here to read more: https://lnkd.in/dPQk-Tnc

  • FPSO in brazilian waters

    FPSO in brazilian waters

    By Rafael Bortoloti

    The FPSO Almirante Tamandaré has arrived in Brazil. This unit will be installed in the Búzios field, located in the pre-salt layer of the Santos Basin, with operations managed by Petrobras. Like the Sepetiba, the vessel was built by SBM Offshore.

    The FPSO has a production capacity of up to 225,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day and can process 12 million cubic meters of gas daily. She left the CMHI shipyard in China on July 31 and will join five other platforms currently operating in the field: FPSOs P-74, P-75, P-76, P-77, and Almirante Barroso.

  • SBM completes sale of stake in FPSO

    SBM completes sale of stake in FPSO

    By Rafael Bortoloti

    SBM has announced the completion of the sale of 13.5% of its special purpose entities related to the leasing and operation of the FPSO Sepetiba to China Merchant Financial Leasing Holding (CMFL).

    Despite this sale, the Dutch company remains the majority shareholder of the vessel, holding a 51% stake. The vessel will be installed in the Mero field, located in the Santos Basin, with operations managed by Petrobras.

  • Baker Hughes and Petrobras: a new agreement

    Baker Hughes and Petrobras: a new agreement

    Baker Hughes has announced the closing of contracts with Petrobras to provide 77 km of flexible pipe systems to be deployed in Brazil’s pre-salt fields. The agreement was signed following a public tender.

    The project includes risers and flowlines for hydrocarbon production, as well as associated gas and water injection, with support for equipment storage, maintenance, and installation. Delivery is scheduled to begin in mid-2026, and the equipment will be utilized across Petrobras’ Búzios, Libra, Berbigão, Sururu, and Sépia fields.

    Earlier this year, the company announced several agreements with Petrobras, including additional contracts for 69.1 km of flexible pipe systems and associated services in the third quarter. Other awards have included integrated well construction services in the Búzios field and integrated solutions for workover and plug-and-abandon services across Petrobras’ pre-salt and post-salt fields.

  • Solstad renew contracts

    Solstad renew contracts

    Solstad Offshore has announced the details of contracts for three OSVs operating in Brazil. The company also reported that the combined gross value of the contracts is approximately $53 million.

    The AHTSs Normand Topazio and Normand Turmalina will be chartered for an additional year by PRIO and Brava, respectively. Earlier this month, the vessel Normand Cutter has finished a contract with Ocyan and started a new one with Prio.

    Want to read more? Get in touch with our commercial department to have access to WSB. One.

  • Agreement between Wilson Sons and MSC

    Agreement between Wilson Sons and MSC

    Wilson Sons announces the SPA (S&P Agreement) reached with SAS Shipping, fully owned subsidiary of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company. SAS Shipping is already active in Brazil as controlling shareholder of Log-In Logística Integrada.

    The closing is expected in the second half of 2025, at which time the buyer will launch a public offer to acquire the remaining shares under the same terms as the S&P agreement, in accordance with CVM regulations.

    What is closing? At this stage, the buyer officially takes ownership of the shares, completing the transaction under the agreed terms.

    “At the WSB Advisors Semina, we highlighted the growing trend of acquisitions within Brazilian infrastructure and shipping. As anticipated, new developments have now emerged in the market.

    Admiral Ilques Barbosa Jr remarked during the seminar that infrastructure—particularly shipping—intersects with national sovereignty, pinpointing the importance of logistical security for Brazil’s future.

    While WSB Advisors was not involved in the recent transaction between Wilson Sons and MSC our industry expertise leads to a broader observation: this will likely not be the last deal of its kind in the sector.

    On a personal note, it may be time to reconsider the incentives and, perhaps, debate the rules surrounding Brazilian tonnage ownership. Although, in principle, the transfer of shares from Ocean Wilsons to SAS Shipping does not affect the local ownership of Wilson Sons’ operations, it raises questions about the long-term implications for national interests”, says Alexandre Vilela, CEO of WSB Advisors.

  • Norbe VIII at Guanabara Bay

    Norbe VIII at Guanabara Bay

    By Rafael Bortoloti

    The drillship Norbe VIII, owned by Foresea, has been anchored in Guanabara Bay, between the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Niterói. The vessel is currently undergoing the final stage of a scheduled maintenance that began on August 9 of this year.

    Norbe VIII arrived in Rio de Janeiro after spending 28 days in maintenance at a dry dock in Rio Grande do Sul, where it underwent cleaning, painting and general inspection, in a process managed by Ecovix.

    WSB reports that the vessel is expected to resume operations in November under a new contract with Petrobras. The last work was in Mero 4, Santos Basin.

  • FPSO with first oil

    FPSO with first oil

    Petrobras has announced that the FPSO Maria Quitéria produced its first oil on last Tuesday (15), in Jubarte Field, Campos Basin. The vessel has the capacity to produce up to 100.000 boed of crude and can process up to 5 million cubic meters of gas.

    Built by Yinson, the FPSO departed from China in May and arrived in Brazil in August, with its first oil production occurring earlier than originally planned, which was expected for 2025.

  • It happens – Offshore Series: The Tender Dilemma!

    It happens – Offshore Series: The Tender Dilemma!

    By Alexandre Vilela

    Offshore operations often come with unexpected challenges, sometimes leading to complications that ripple across entire projects. Let me share a recent example:

    A tender required a vessel for a 2-year contract, but the winning vessel, foreign-flagged, obtained a 1-year CAA under the anticipated circularization process. After six months, a new circularization blocked the foreign vessel for the second year of the contract. Although the blocking vessels were available, their limitations in Fire Fighting capabilities and crew specialization caused significant disruptions to the project, including IBAMA licensing delays and an interruption to the drilling operation.

    This situation raises critical concerns:

    1. Contracts planned for longer periods can face roadblocks, causing both operational and cost uncertainties.
    2. While Brazilian-flagged vessels are given preference, the reality is that not all are equipped to meet the needs of the project without compromises.

    The Challenge: It’s essential to uphold national interests and the law, but how do we balance this with the practical demands of offshore operations?

    The Question: Could a longer CAA period help bring clarity and stability from the outset? Or should vessel characteristics considered “deal breakers” be reevaluated to avoid such situations in the future? What role should ANTAQ play in seeking expert, independent input during critical circularization decisions?

    What do you think? How can we improve planning and reduce uncertainty?

  • Insights on Brazil’s drilling scenario!

    Insights on Brazil’s drilling scenario!

    By Alexandre Vilela

    The state-of-the-art drillship Atlantic Zonda has departed Singapore en route to Brazil. This 7th-generation, dual-drilling rig, built on Samsung 96K design, is capable of drilling in water depths of up to 12,000 feet.

    Once in Brazilian waters, Petrobras will engage the Zonda for a 36-month contract, marking a key step in its $102 billion exploration strategy for 2024-2028, which includes drilling 50 new wells and deploying additional FPSOs.

    Local operations will be managed by Ventura Offshore, a Brazilian deepwater drilling leader with over 25 years of experience. Ventura recently celebrated a significant milestone by becoming a publicly traded company on the Euronext Growth stock exchange. With a proven track record of managing high-performance rigs like the Zonda and their own drillships like DS Carolina, Ventura is reinforcing its position as a key player in Brazil’s offshore development.

    Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project and Ventura Offshore’s continued growth!

  • WSB Special Seminar reunion

    WSB Special Seminar reunion

    Last thursday (10), the rooftop of WSB Advisors set the stage for a truly memorable evening. Despite a cloudy day and our constant hope for no rain, we were once again blessed with clear skies as the night unfolded, creating the perfect atmosphere for our team, dear friends, and some panelists from our recent WSB Seminar to come together.

    It was a fantastic opportunity to unwind and enjoy unpretentious conversations. The presence of leaders from Bravante, Solstad, Bram / Chouest, Marinsa, WTN Lak, Café na Trilha, Corintos, BP Energy, Efen, Norsul, Raízen, Intcom, Pinheiro Almeida, Eletronuclear, Delp, UMI SAN, ECB, and others made the evening even more special.

    A heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us and helped create this unforgettable experience. Together, we continue to build a strong business community.