Tag: Petrobras

  • WSB Advisors in the press – Portos e Navios

    WSB Advisors in the press – Portos e Navios

    Alexandre Vilela, CEO of WSB Advisors, was interviewed this week by Portos e Navios, analyzing the three transactions that impacted most the offshore market in 2026: Tidewater / WS Ultratug Offshore, OceanPact Serviços Marítimos / Companhia Brasileira de Offshore (CBO), and ASM Maritime / Maersk Supply Service Brasil. In the conversation, he detailed the strategic factors behind these moves and what they indicate for the future of the offshore support vessel market in Brazil.

    According to Vilela, the merger between OceanPact and CBO had long been anticipated by the market and is part of a global consolidation cycle that began after the 2014–2016 oil crisis. Major international groups such as DOF Group and Solstad Offshore have also undergone significant fleet and corporate restructuring processes in recent years. In Brazil, however, such movements tend to occur with some delay, due to regulatory characteristics and the prevalence of long-term contracts.

    For the executive, current signals suggest the sector is now moving into a new phase. More than mergers, the next cycle is expected to be marked by fleet renewal and expansion, driven by the ageing of offshore vessels. With a global average fleet age between 15 and 17 years — and even higher in some Brazilian segments — the stage appears set for new investments, including the possible entry of new players into the national market.

    “The offshore sector has undergone more than forty consolidation transactions in recent years, something unprecedented since the 2014 crisis,” Vilela says.

    Read more here

  • Belov Arembepe contracted by Petrobras

    Belov Arembepe contracted by Petrobras

    Belov Engenharia has signed a contract with Petrobras for the chartering of the SDSV Belov Arembepe, which will operate for the oil company for a period of four years. The agreement includes PPU-based remuneration components denominated in Brazilian reais and U.S. dollars, with a total contractual value (Service plus hire) of approximately R$ 680 million over the term.

    Construction of the Belov Arembepe began in February 2026 and is expected to last approximately 18 months, with delivery scheduled for the second half of 2027, when Petrobras is DUE to commence operations with the vessel.

    The Belov Arembepe will be the fourth SDSV in Belov’s fleet and the third vessel to be built at the group’s shipyard in Bahia. The project has been granted R$115 million in financing from the Fundo da Marinha Mercante (FMM).

    “The Belov Arembepe will incorporate the proven design of previous vessels, with operational upgrades implemented based on lessons learned in recent offshore campaigns,” said Juracy Vilas-Bôas, Director at Belov Engenharia, in an interview for the upcoming edition of One Energy magazine.

    For further technical information about the vessel, visit wsb-one.com

  • Open Tenders & More

    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 At Least 1x FSC 10: Opportunity 7004536339 new deadline February 27th, 2026.

    What else is happening?

    • DOF announced the acquisition of the anchor handling vessels Aurora Sandefjord and Aurora Saltfjord as part of a ~$100 million fleet upgrade, with deliveries expected in April 2026 and June/July 2026, respectively.
    • Valaris has commenced a US$498 million drilling contract with Equinor for the drilling of six wells at the Raia gas field in Brazil’s Campos Basin pre-salt, supporting first production expected in 2028.
  • Special WSB: Por onde anda? Maersk Involver

    Special WSB: Por onde anda? Maersk Involver


    Built in 2007, with an impressive 138 meters LOA, the then Maersk Involver was born under the Danish offshore tradition. A blue hull, robust lines, and a clear purpose: to deliver capacity where conventional logistics cannot reach.

    But the sea changes. And so do assets.

    On November 1st, 2024, following the completion of the acquisition of Maersk Supply Service by DOF Group ASA, the fleet underwent a visible transformation.
    Names changed.
    Colors changed.The soft Danish blue gave way to the distinctive Norwegian red.

    Maersk Involver became Skandi Involver.

    Today, the vessel operates in Brazilian waters under contract with Petrobras, supporting subsea inspection activities. Her recent presence has been associated with the FPSO Sepetiba, operated by SBM Offshore — in Mero Field, one of Brazil’s key production hubs.

    But her story did not begin here.

    Before Brazil, she had already taken part in subsea campaigns offshore Angola.
    In the North Sea, she operated as a walk-to-work vessel in Denmark.
    She has worked in environments where logistics does not tolerate improvisation.

    Classified as an MPSV, Skandi Involver occupies a hybrid space in the market. In a country where distance, water depth, and production scale put constant pressure on the logistics chain, onboard capacity stops being a differentiator — it becomes a strategic tool.

    Some vessels adapt to survive.
    Others seem to have been designed for constant adaptation.

    And then comes the detail that disrupts the narrative.

    After the acquisition, the rule appeared clear: new name, new visual identity.
    Yet recent records show something intriguing.

    👉 Why does she still appear blue?

    A transitional delay? Or simply time — which in offshore operations is rarely linear?

    In the end, Skandi Involver continues her course — discreet, stable, operational.
    Too large to be ordinary.
    Too specialized to be circumstantial.

    Every Thursday, a new “Por onde anda?”
    Stay tuned.

  • Open Tenders & More

    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 At Least 1x FSC 10: Opportunity 7004536339 new deadline February 20th, 2026.
    • Petrobras At Least 4x SOVs: Opportunity 7004563745 released February 12th, 2026.

    What else is happening?

    • Brazilian O&G market remains quiet as Carnival takes over! 🎉🎊
      As celebrations continue, we’ll be ready to set sail with fresh updates soon. Stay tuned!
  • P-79 in Brazil

    P-79 in Brazil

    The FPSO P-79 arrived in Santos Basin over the weekend, advancing the expansion of production at Búzios pre-salt field. The unit departed Hanwha Ocean shipyard in South Korea in November and was towed to Brazil with crew on board to accelerate operational start-up.

    P-79 will be the eighth FPSO planned for Búzios, which currently has six units in operation. The project includes 14 wells — eight producers and six WAG injectors — and is scheduled to start production in August 2026. The unit is expected to increase installed capacity by around 15.6% and will operate about 180 km offshore Rio de Janeiro, in water depths of up to 2,100 meters.

  • Open Tenders & More

    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?

    Shell 3x PSVs and 1x OSRV opportunity new deadline February 23rd, 2026.

    Stay informed on key offshore developments — visit wsb-one.com, our data platform trusted by leading offshore companies.

  • Open tenders & More

    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 Acquisition of 4x MR1 Tankers: Opportunity 7004519997 new deadline March 9th, 2026.
    • Technip 1x PSV for Raia Project new deadline February 10th, 2026.

    What else is happening?

    • Petrobras announced a partial annulment of the bidding process for the 6 SOVS tender (7004478234) due to technical and budgetary adjustments. The tender has been returned to the proposal stage, with revised documentation and a new submission timeline.
    • Solstad Maritime signed a Letter of Intent with an international subsea contractor for the CSV Normand Navigator,securing a 450-day contract starting in Q2 2026, supported by two work-class ROVs.
  • Open Tenders & More

    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 Al least 1x FSC 10: Opportunity 7004536339 has postponed until March 13rd, 2026.

    What else is happening?

    • OceanicaSub XV (ex-Far Scimitar) has commenced a firm 4-year contract with Petrobras, with additional extension options.
    • Wilson Sons delivered the WS Halcyon yesterday in Rio de Janeiro, the first of a new series of three high-powered 2312 class tugboats built at its Guarujá shipyard, featuring 70 tonnes of bollard pull.
  • Open Tenders & More

    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 At least 1x PLSV: Opportunity 7004549819 released January 14th, 2026.

    What else is happening?

    • Floatel Victory is due to move to Karoon for a 4-6-month period after the end of its contract with PRIO, scheduled for Q1 2026 (following takeover of the field from Equinor). Rumors of a PSV will also support the floatel operation, providing supply duties to the accommodation unit.
    • Lagunero has arrived at the Guanabara Bay anchorage, where it is preparing to start an accommodation contract with Petrobras.
    • Competitive market: a high number of PSV bids is expected in the ongoing in the TechnipFMC tender, in light of Petrobras’ slowing down chartering demand.
    • OTSV Marina I has gone through an early termination by Petrobras for not meeting the technical/operational required performance

  • Riograndense Refinery: R$ 6 bi

    Riograndense Refinery: R$ 6 bi

    Petrobras announced plans to convert the Riograndense Refinery, located in Rio Grande (RS), into Brazil’s first biorefinery, marking a significant step in the company’s strategy to expand production of lower-carbon fuels. The announcement was made on 20 January 2026 by Petrobras President Magda Chambriard during the contract-signing ceremony of the Mar Aberto program.

    According to Petrobras, the transformation is expected to begin in the second half of 2026 and will require investments of approximately R$ 6 billion. The project foresees the production of 100% bio-based products, repositioning the refinery within Petrobras’ refining portfolio and aligning the asset with the company’s energy transition roadmap.

    Magda Chambriard
    Magda Chambriard (Source: Petrobras)


    The event took place at the Ecovix Construções Oceânicas S.A. / Estaleiro Rio Grande S.A. facilities and was attended by Petrobras and Transpetro – Petrobras Transporte S. A. executives, federal authorities and industry representatives. Johan Paul Kempers, representing WSB Advisors, was present in connection with Ecovix and the Rio Grande shipyard, reinforcing WSB’s ongoing involvement and monitoring of strategic industrial developments linked to Brazil’s offshore and naval sectors.

    Petrobras has been conducting technical and industrial tests since 2023 to assess the feasibility of the conversion, with investments of around R$ 45 million, supported by financial contributions from partners Braskem and Grupo Ultra. These tests focus on adapting existing processes and evaluating technological routes for biofuel production.

    Founded in 1937, the Riograndense Refinery is the oldest refinery in Brazil, predating Petrobras itself. The facility currently has an installed capacity of approximately 17,000 barrels per day and produces road and marine fuels, petrochemical naphtha, LPG, solvents and specialty products. The planned conversion represents a strategic repositioning of the asset in response to evolving market and regulatory demands in the energy sector.

    Stay informed on key offshore developments — visit wsb-one.com, our data platform trusted by leading offshore companies.

  • Petrobras and Transpetro move forward with Mar Aberto Program

    Petrobras and Transpetro move forward with Mar Aberto Program

    Ceremony marks the start of a new phase of investments in shipbuilding and fleet renewal, reinforcing local content and the recovery of the sector’s productive chain.

    Petrobras, together with Transpetro, takes a decisive step toward the recovery of Brazilian industry by signing contracts for the construction of strategic vessels under the Mar Aberto Program. The event brings together government authorities and industry leaders, with the presence of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Petrobras CEO Magda Chambriard, reaffirming the project’s relevance to national development.

    The orderbook includes:
    • Five gas carriers to be built at Rio Grande Shipyard, in Rio Grande do Sul;
    • Eighteen barges at Bertolini Shipyard, in Amazonas;
    • Eighteen push boats at Indústria Naval Catarinense (INC), in Santa Catarina.

    The contracts represent one of the most significant recent investment movements in vessel construction in Brazil, with direct impact on the creation of skilled jobs, the revitalization of shipyards, and the strengthening of the supply chain for goods and services within the Brazilian naval sector.

    The ceremony will be broadcast live on Petrobras’ official YouTube channel starting at 4:00 pm.