Petrobras has extended the submission deadline for Opportunity No. 7004345558, covering the long-term chartering of up to two newbuild Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessels, together with specialized technical services. According to the latest update published on Petronect, proposals are now due on June 22, 2026.
The extension follows a series of recent amendments to the tender documentation, including changes introduced through Addendum K and new requirements related to shipyard commitments and financing arrangements.
Among the most significant updates are the mandatory submission of a preliminary agreement with the selected shipyard, the binding nature of the nominated shipyard throughout the bidding process and the requirement for written evidence from a financial institution indicating the bidder’s ability to secure construction financing. Collectively, these requirements significantly increase the level of commercial, technical and financial preparation expected from participants before proposal submission.
For the market, deadline extensions at this stage of Petrobras tenders are not unusual. As bidders incorporate the latest contractual and commercial requirements into their proposals, additional time often helps ensure greater alignment between Petrobras’ expectations and the documentation submitted by the bidders.
Given the strategic importance of this opportunity for Brazil’s offshore newbuilding market, the additional time is expected to support more robust and competitive proposals while allowing bidders to properly address the changes, technical and financial requirements introduced into the tender.
WSB Advisors will continue to monitor the opportunity and report further developments as they become available.
Tag: AHTS
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Petrobras extends NB AHTS bid following recent amendments
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Petrobras raises execution requirements in new AHTS bid
A recent amendment to Petrobras’ AHTS newbuild tender (Opportunity 7004345558) introduced provisions that may have broader implications for future offshore vessel construction projects in Brazil.
Under the revised rules, bidders must now submit a preliminary agreement with the shipyard responsible for building the vessel as part of their proposal. More importantly, the selected shipyard becomes contractually binding and cannot be replaced after bid submission, except under exceptional circumstances, subject to Petrobras’ prior approval and proper justification.
The change goes beyond a procedural adjustment.
Belov shipyard (Source: Belov/Courtesy) Historically, shipyard selection has often evolved throughout project development as financing structures, construction schedules, equipment availability and industrial capacity changed over time. Petrobras is now requiring bidders to demonstrate a higher level of commitment between vessel owner and shipyard from the earliest stages of the tender process.
The amendment does not point to any specific market participant. However, it clearly reflects Petrobras’ concern with execution risk in long-cycle offshore newbuilding programs.
Another noteworthy aspect of the tender is the requirement for bidders to present documentation from a financial institution indicating their ability to obtain funding for vessel construction. Together with the shipyard commitment requirement, the provision strengthens Petrobras’ visibility into both industrial execution and financial readiness at the proposal stage.
The requirements appear designed to reduce uncertainty in projects involving significant capital commitments, local content obligations, complex financing arrangements and multi-year construction schedules.
For shipowners, shipyards and financial institutions, the message is clear: construction strategy is no longer merely part of project execution. It is becoming part of the bid itself.
As Brazil’s offshore newbuilding market gains momentum, this may prove to be one of the most relevant contractual changes introduced in recent Petrobras tenders.
What do you think? Is this a positive step toward reducing project execution risk, or could it limit commercial flexibility during vessel construction?
Stay informed on key offshore developments — visit wsb-one.com, our data platform trusted by leading offshore companies.
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DOF secures new long-term RSV contract
DOF has signed a four-year contract with Petrobras for the vessel Skandi Commander, with operations scheduled to begin in January 2027. The agreement includes deployment of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) alongside the vessel’s Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV), enhancing subsea inspection, survey and intervention capabilities in offshore operations.
The contract adds to ongoing subsea support awards in Brazil, following multiple tenders secured by DOF in 2025 across AHTS, RSV and PIDF segments, cumulatively exceeding USD 2 billion in backlog.
Skandi Commander’s dual ROV-AUV configuration is expected to support inspection and integrity work across Petrobras’ offshore asset base. Mons Aase, CEO of DOF Group ASA, commented on the year’s achievements in Brazil and referenced a significant portion of the company’s fleet on firm contracts extending beyond 2030.
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Solstad secures contract for AHTS Normand Topazio with Petrobras
Solstad Offshore ASA confirmed today (November 26) that it has signed a firm 4-year agreement with Petrobras for AHTS Normand Topazio. Contract starts in Q1 2026 and is valued at roughly USD 73 million. The vessel will support Petrobras offshore logistics and anchor-handling activities, reinforcing Solstad’s long-standing presence in Brazil’s supply fleet.
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Special: Por onde anda?
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.
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Petrobras: new AHTS specs
By Alexandre Vilela and Pedro Pelllegrini
Petrobras Scales Back Ambitious Design in Multi-Year AHTS Newbuilding Tender
Petrobras has revised the technical specifications for its next-generation large Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessels under Brazil’s landmark AHTS Newbuilding tender, which is expected to result in multi-year awards. The original requirements were developed after extensive market sounding and aimed to stretch design boundaries by proposing a vessel of unprecedented scale and capacity, intended to redefine offshore support capabilities in deep and ultra-deepwater environments.
The initial concept called for a vessel capable of carrying eight 160-ton torpedo piles on deck, effectively centralizing operations typically performed by up to four conventional AHTSs. This responded to Petrobras’ plan to increase torpedo pile weights from 120 to 160 tons, with the goal of reducing the number of mooring lines required per offshore unit. The concept also envisioned enhanced chain-handling capacity and significant onboard storage to support operations in remote, high-energy basins such as the Equatorial Margin.
After significant industry feedback and feasibility analysis, Petrobras has now adopted a more pragmatic approach. The revised specifications bring the project closer to international standards while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Key updates include a reduction in length overall from 130m to 97m, draft from 8.4m to 7m and deck area from 1,500m² to 840m². The original 250-ton subsea crane will be replaced with a 20-ton main crane and deck capacity has been lowered from 8+1 to 4+1 torpedo piles.
The result is a technically capable vessel design that significantly reduces construction complexity and cost, without compromising its core function within Petrobras’ offshore operations. -
DOF and Petrobras
DOF has confirmed the award of two new long-term contracts by Petrobras, together valued at over USD 275 million, surpassing BRL 1 billion at current exchange rates.
The AHTS Skandi Logger has secured a four-year charter, joining the ranks of other DOF vessels recently contracted by Petrobras, including the Skandi Iguaçu, Skandi Angra, Skandi Paraty, and Urca. Operations are expected to begin in February 2026.
Meanwhile, the RSV Skandi Achiever was also awarded by Petrobras a four-year contract, with offshore activities scheduled to start in December 2025. The agreement includes the deployment of two WROVs and a subsea crane, reinforcing the vessel’s advanced subsea intervention capabilities. -
Offshore Database: WSB.One
Datamatters –
Paulo Cantergiani, Market Intelligence Intern at WSB Advisors, conducted a comparative study of Brazil’s offshore support vessels (OSV) fleet, analyzing May 2024 against the same period this year. Drawing from exclusive data within WSB. One, our database, the study reveals important trends shaping the sector’s evolving dynamics.
AHTS vessels recorded the sharpest decline, dropping from 53 to 50 units, a 5.7% contraction. The reduction reflects a temporary gap in chartering activity, largely linked to the timing of Petrobras tenders currently being finalized.
Meanwhile, the RSV segment remained stable, with 28 active units throughout the period, reinforcing the steady demand for subsea inspection and maintenance services critical to offshore infrastructure integrity.
PSV numbers also saw a slight reduction, from 129 units in May 2024 to 122 in May 2025. a 5.4% contraction.
The findings highlight the differentiated behavior of each OSV segment and reinforce the value of real-time and data-driven decision-making. In a volatile market, access to accurate and granular fleet information remains a key asset for anticipating shifts and aligning commercial strategies.
More details in the infographic below or by subscribing to our WSB. One database.
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WSB Advisors at Asso31 Drydocking
Our team visited with Renave Shipyard AHTS Asso Trentuno drydocking yesterday (December 11).
The vessel is being prepared for the new charter with Petrobras after successfully completing previous contract. WSB Advisors is pleased to service Augusta Offshore S.p.A. / Asso Marítima Navegação Ltda as brokers and beyond, a partnership that lasts for nearly a decade.
Want more details about the vessel and their contracts?
Reach us at commercial@cms.oneenergynews.com or seek access to WSB. One, the most reliable offshore market database.
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AHTS tender: an update
Petrobras closed the AHTS tender, with plans to hire up to 7 AHTSs and one OTSV. The amplitude on rates is worth noting.
TS: Asgaard with AHTSs offered at USD 31k, for comparison below the last OSRV average rates.Asso Marítima Navegação Ltda (Augusta Offshore S.p.A.) just below USD 40k, with Solstad Offshore ASA and GRUPO CBO – Companhia Brasileira de Offshore in the mid-40s set the marketplace trend for now. CBO offered their largest AHTSs, out-priced for this category.
TO/OTSV: CBO and OceanPact Serviços Marítimos rates are not far apart for similar-sized AHTSs, mid to high USD 60’s. However, compared to the TS rates, they are nearly double and not far from the OTSV rate at USD 78k for a much more complex unit.
Results expertly compiled by the WSB Advisors team, bringing you the latest updates on this significant development.
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AHTS results out
Petrobras awards 11 AHTS contracts in their last tender offers-in in November 2023.
Facts: one of the longest lead times for OSV awards ever seen. Nominal rates increased though still depleted when compared to 8 years ago. Vessels offered on low-priority lots not awarded in spite of the very competitive rates. Vessels offered on top-priority not awarded outside the budgeted figures.
The enclosed table displays the awarded contracts. To see who was left out and at what rates get in touch. -
OSRV preliminary results
First time since 2018, the Global Day Rate (TDG) considered actual fuel cost. Previously on public opportunities Petrobras applied a virtual bonus instead. Brazilian and/or REB vessels only allowed in this opportunity, divided into lots A and B, with mobilizations respectively for March 2025 (or 180 days upon contract signature) and July 2025 (or 270 days upon contract signature) and duration of 4 years firm.
Our results table displays the actual day rates and the TDG. Effectively the classification would remain unchanged except for Campos Contender, from Bram/Chouest, an AHTS naturally impacted by the increased fuel figures when compared to other “contenders”.
OceanPact Serviços Marítimos secured first place in Lot A with Ilha de Tinharé (former NS Loreto) and Bram Offshore in Lot B with C-Agressor and C-Atlas tie. Grupo Bravante was also well positioned in both Lots with good chances of qualification in the tender. To be seen. We will report.