Petrobras SDSVs Opportunity 7004370497 with new deadline: Apr 22nd, 2025.
Petrobras hosted a live session to discuss hybrid propulsion for AHTS and RSV newbuild tenders, aiming for cleaner and more efficient fuel alternatives.
Subsea7 issued an AHTS with ROV requirement for Búzios 8. If you want more details, please contact us.
Foresea has formalized a new three-year contract for the drilling vessel Norbe IX (Santos Basin). With this agreement, the entire fleet is now under charter.
During Transpetro’s event launching the bid for eight gas carriers, Petrobras’ President Magda Chambriard detailed key projects and reinforced ongoing commitments:
• “Hit the gas”: Increasing local content requirements from 40% to 65% for goods and services.
• R$78 billion investment in Brazilian shipyards by 2026:
• R$58B for 10 new FPSO processing plants.
• R$20B for Offshore support vessels.
• 10 new FPSOs coming online by 2029 (seven contracted, three still to be tendered).
• 44 new vessels (OSVs & gas carriers) by 2026, backed by the Merchant Marine Fund and accelerated depreciation incentives.
• Commitment to repurposing vessels in decommissioning at local shipyards.
• Concern over pre-salt reserve depletion, stressing the need to develop the Equatorial Margin safely and efficiently.
• R$40 billion investment in refinery expansion and fertilizer plants across Brazil by 2026.
With this roadmap, Petrobras signals a strong push for national industry and energy security.
What’s your take, can these initiatives reshape Brazil’s shipbuilding and offshore sectors?
Transpetro/Petrobras to Expand Fleet with New Gas Carrier Tender
Transpetro (Petrobras) annouced the awaited public international tender for the construction of 8 Gas carriers to close in 90 days, to a total fleet after deliveries from 6 to 14 vessels.
The tender features two batches:
• Batch 1: 5x pressurized units (3x 7,000m³ capacity and 2x 14,000m³ each).
• Batch 2: 3x semi-refrigerated units (10,000m³ each), Gas and Amonia (to expand into a market Transpetro is not currently exploring).
“The expectation is that Transpetro will increase its transportation capacity from 36,000 to 108,000 cubic meters per month. This should be sufficient for Petrobras to meet its entire national demand,” says Daniel Buckley Chartering Manager at WSB.
Búzios Field: A Game Changer for Brazil’s Oil Production?
Petrobras has announced that the FPSO Almirante Tamandaré started production on February 15. Operating in the Búzios field, within the pre-salt layer of the Santos Basin, the vessel has a production capacity of up to 225,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (bpd) and can process 12 million cubic meters of gas daily.
Built and chartered by SBM, the FPSO departed China on July 31, arrived in Brazil in October (2024), and now joins five other units in Búzios: FPSOs P-74, P-75, P-76, P-77, and Almirante Barroso. Petrobras expects that Almirante Tamandaré will help push Búzios production to 1 million bpd this year and 1.5 million bpd by 2030.
According to the ANP (National Oil Agency), the Búzios field produced an average of 932,000 bpd in 2024, ranking seventh in the country. Tupi and Marlim currently lead with just over 2.6 million bpd each.
New Oil Discovery at Búzios
Petrobras also recently announced a new oil find beneath the field’s main reservoir. Tests at 5,600 meters deep confirmed the presence in well 9-BUZ-99D-RJS, drilled 189 km off the coast of Rio de Janeiro in 1,940 meters of water depth.
With record output and new discoveries, is Búzios shaping up to be the key driver of Brazil’s offshore expansion?
Transpetro is about to release the Gas Carrier New Build tender. Monday next week? (17/2). Let’s stay tuned.
The new tender shall come out to market in connection with the previous tanker handy-size being signed. Things are moving.
“Way to go! Transpetro/ Petrobras The industry has entered an inevitable (and hopefully virtuous) newbuilding cycle which in good reason may last for at least a decade. The time is now”, says Alexandre Vilela, CEO of WSB Advisors.
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By Rafael Bortoloti
Petrobras has achieved ISCC EU RED international certification for the commercialization of renewable bunker fuel at the Rio Grande Terminal (TERIG) in Rio Grande do Sul. The VLS (Very Low Sulfur) B24 fuel, a blend of biodiesel and mineral-origin material, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20%.
“Petrobras is a pioneer in this area as well. In the past, it was the only company offering such a service in Brazil, although today there are other players in the market. Now, the oil company is innovating by being the first Brazilian company to provide marine fuel with renewable content,” remembers Daniel Buckley, Chartering Manager at WSB Advisors.
WSB supports the sector’s development by facilitating the chartering of bunkering vessels.
Petrobras has formalized amendments to the charter and service provision contracts for the FPSO Cidade de Angra dos Reis with Tupi Pilot and MODEC. Under the new agreement, the vessel will remain operational until 2030, when decommissioning is expected to begin.
Operating in the Tupi field, Santos Basin, the FPSO has been a cornerstone of Brazil’s pre-salt exploration since 2010. It was the first large-capacity unit deployed in the region and currently produces approximately 50,000 barrels per day (bpd).
This development highlights the strategic importance of the Santos Basin, a key driver of Brazil’s offshore production. And with developments constantly unfolding, there’s more to come—stay connected for the latest updates!
The PSV Posidonia Panther has arrived in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, to commence a charter contract (SEP format) with Petrobras.
The Posidonia Panther, a PSV 5000, measures 87.73 meters in length and 19 meters in width, sailing under the Liberian flag. Built in 2012, the vessel was previously part of DOF’s fleet under the name Skandi Aukra until late last year.
This marks another point in Posidonia Shipping’s expansion of its OSV fleet under the Brazilian Shipping Company (EBN). With five vessels now serving the oil giant and more expected to follow, Posidonia continues to strengthen its presence in Brazil’s offshore market.
But, there’s more happening behind the scenes as Posidonia drives its fleet expansion, stay tuned for what’s coming next!
By Rafael Bortoloti
Foresea and Petrobras Expand Norbe VIII Contract
Foresea has amended its charter agreement with Petrobras for the Norbe VIII drillship, introducing new technologies and extending operations to shallow waters. The amendment adds USD 70 million to the agreement, including a mobilization fee.
Originally signed in December 2024, the contract covers a firm duration of 1,095 days with an option to renew for an additional term of up to 1,095 days. Currently operating in the Santos Basin, the Norbe VIII is set to undergo equipment and system upgrades, scheduled for completion by December 2025.
These upgrades will improve its operational flexibility across various water depths while enhancing safety and performance, positioning the vessel for broader opportunities in Brazil’s offshore market.
For deeper insights into the Norbe VIII, revisit our eighth edition of One.Energy magazine:
The week took off with exciting news for brazilian shipyards. Petrobras awarded contracts to CMM and Starnav in the bid for the construction and chartering of up to 10 OSRV vessels (Opportunity number 7004306735) with a 5,000t DWT, launched last year.
CMM will oversee the construction of six vessels, to be built at the Enseada shipyard. On the other hand, Starnav will, as expected, utilize Detroit for the fabrication of the remaining four OSRVs.
There are also new developments from Transpetro regarding the tender for the construction and chartering of four handy-size tankers (15-18k DWT).
Curious to learn more? Stay updated through our social media channels.
Petrobras AHTS Tender: Rates Through the Roof – But What’s Next?
The AHTS market in Brazil is heating up, and Petrobras’ latest tender results have made waves. Featuring 8 categories, or “Lots,” the numbers are staggering:
AHTS-R (with ROV): rates roaring between USD 108k and 118k per day.
AHTS (without ROV): day rates stretched from USD 75k (a bold move by Solstad Normand Turquesa) to USD 110k.
Here’s where it gets interesting: back in our Charterers’ Workshop last November, we forecast adjusted day rates for this vessel type to average USD 87k. Fast forward, and the majority of contenders landed exactly there (with a few daring exceptions).
But let’s ask the real question:
How many vessels can Petrobras afford to contract before the budget for this tender snaps under the pressure?
NOTE:
On one side, we see owners charging adjusted rates, confident in a tight supply market. On the other, charterers must decide how to maximize resources without breaking the bank.
The stakes are high, and the ripple effects could redefine the offshore support landscape in Brazil. What’s your take—strategic brilliance, market chaos, or a bit of both? Let’s hear your thoughts!
