Vast Infraestrutura has announced a new contract to provide oil transshipment operations, using the ship-to-ship model, with CNOOC International. The agreement is valid for three years and will be carried out at T-OIL, Porto do Açu. The location is under the management of the infrastructure company, which aims to transform it into a hub for the storage and handling of liquids.
This is the second oil transshipment agreement between Vast and China National Offshore Oil Corporation since 2022. CNOOC holds assets in Búzios and Mero fields.
“The ship-to-ship operations are performed for CNOOC´s crude cargoes from Suezmax shuttle tankers that loaded off FPSOs to top off VLCCs for their exports to the Far East”, details Daniel Buckley, chartering manager at WSB.
Tag: Shipbroking
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Vast and CNOOC: new agreement
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Boskalis tugs on FPSO Bacalhau mission
WSB reports that three Boskalis tugs—Boka Keeper, Boka Sweeper, and Boka Defender—are towing the FPSO Bacalhau to Brazil.
The FPSO is expected to arrive at the Bacalhau field, Santos Basin, by the end of February. Operations will be led by Equinor and MODEC targeting production of up to 220,000 bpd (barrels per day) and 530 mmscfd (million standard cubic feet per day). First oil is planned for May 25.
“This FPSO is 370 meters long and 64 meters wide, quite impressive dimensions. It will be one of the largest floating production storage and offloading units in operation in Brazil,” says Pedro Pellegrini, Shipbroker Intern at WSB Advisors. -
Working experience at WSB Advisors
Rafael Drumond, Offshore Commercial Analyst at Grupo Bravante, joined WSB’s office for two weeks in January, immersing himself in every aspect of our operations. From handling daily tasks to engaging in high-level strategic meetings, Rafael gained hands-on experience in shipbroking and decision-making processes.
He observed WSB’s shipbrokers at work and interacted with various teams across WSB and other companies within the Westhon Group.
“It was an incredible experience with many lessons that I will apply both as a professional and in my naval engineering classes. And the best part is that I celebrated my two-year anniversary with Bravante on the exact day I was at WSB. It was funny,” he says.
This was another chapter in the partnership between Bravante and WSB.
To read more about Rafael’s journey, stay tuned in the next edition of One. Energy magazine. -
FPSO Cidade Angra dos Reis: contract extension
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! -
Posidonia Panther in Rio de Janeiro
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! -
WSB tips
- On the Subsea7 bunker requirement for the FPSO Bacalhau and tugs arrival, two traders are short-listed, interesting enough both have considered the same OSV for the transport as the MGO is set to be delivered on location. WSB.One subscribers have the details disclosed;
- While several Brazilian flagged PSVs are unemployed, magic strikes and one PSV3000 has obtained a 1-year CAA from ANTAQ. How is that possible?;
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Norbe VIII: contractual amendment
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: -
Brazilian shipyards: exciting news
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.
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AHTS tender
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!
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Petrobras Extends Safe Zephyrus Contract with Prosafe
Petrobras and Prosafe have finalized a USD 109.7 million extension to the charter contract for the Safe Zephyrus semi-submersible platform. The vessel delivers essential offshore safety support and maintenance services.
Initially set to conclude in February 2025 after a 650-day term, the contract has been extended by an additional 954 days, now running through September 2027. The agreement also includes an increase in the daily fuel allowance from 20 m³ to 25 m³.
The Safe Zephyrus features advanced capabilities, including a DP-3 dynamic positioning system, a 1,000 m² deck area, two 50-ton cranes, accomodation for 450 persons, and a 12-point mooring arrangement—positioning it as a critical asset for offshore operations. -
BRAVA Energia Achieves First Oil from FPSO Atlanta
BRAVA Energia announced that the FPSO Atlanta has produced its first oil this week at the Atlanta Field in the Santos Basin. The vessel boasts a production capacity of up to 50,000 boe/d, can treat 140,000 barrels of water per day, and store up to 1.6 million barrels of oil.
Formed last year through the merger of 3R Petroleum and Enauta, BRAVA becomes the first independent O&G company in Brazil to develop a deepwater production system from the ground up.
The FPSO Atlanta is one of BRAVA’s flagship assets, underscoring its commitment to innovation and growth in the offshore sector. -
Brazilian production
On the first working day of 2025, the ANP (National Oil Agency) released its Monthly Report on Oil and Natural Gas Production for November 2025. During this period, total production (oil + gas) reached 4.301 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed).
Highlights
Of this total, 3.310 million barrels of oil per day were produced.
Natural gas production in November was 157.64 million cubic meters per day (m³/d).
Total production (oil + natural gas) in the pre-salt fields in November was 3.385 million boe/d, being 2,631 milion of bbl/d of oil and 119,87 milion m³/d of gas.