One Energy News

Tag: Starnav

  • Starnav signs Rolls-Royce agreement for new hybrid offshore fleet supporting Petrobras

    Starnav signs Rolls-Royce agreement for new hybrid offshore fleet supporting Petrobras

    Starnav has signed an agreement with Rolls-Royce to supply 40 mtu 16V 4000 M33S engines for ten new hybrid offshore support vessels contracted by Petrobras. Announced on July 9, 2026, the agreement marks another step in the renewal of Brazil’s offshore support fleet, combining larger vessels, long-term charter contracts and lower-emission technologies for offshore logistics.

    The package includes six Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) and four Oil Spill Response Vessels (OSRVs), supporting Petrobras’ offshore logistics and oil spill response operations under 12-year charter contracts. The vessels will feature hybrid diesel-electric propulsion with integrated battery systems and mtu engines compliant with IMO Tier III standards, reducing NOx emissions while improving fuel efficiency.

    The project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 20% compared with Starnav’s current fleet. The reduction reflects not only the adoption of hybrid propulsion but also the combination of modern engines, battery integration and more efficient vessel designs, as offshore operators continue investing in lower-carbon support fleets.

    The newbuild program is valued at approximately R$ 2.5 billion, with financing support from Brazil’s Merchant Marine Fund (FMM). The vessels are being built at Detroit Brasil Shipyard and are scheduled to enter service between 2026 and 2028, highlighting the FMM’s continued role in supporting fleet renewal while enabling Petrobras’ long-term charter strategy.

    Another notable feature of the program is the increase in vessel deadweight. The new units are expected to offer around 5,500 tonnes of deadweight, compared with approximately 4,500 tonnes across much of Starnav’s existing PSV fleet. Beyond increasing cargo capacity, the larger design offers greater operational flexibility and can improve transport efficiency by carrying more cargo per voyage while benefiting from hybrid propulsion and next-generation engines.

    For Rolls-Royce, the agreement further strengthens the presence of its mtu propulsion systems in Brazil’s offshore support market, where fleet renewal is increasingly driven by efficiency and environmental performance requirements. For Starnav, the investment expands a fleet designed to support Petrobras’ offshore operations with modern vessels combining higher cargo capacity, hybrid propulsion and compliance with the latest emissions standards.

    Taken together, the project reflects broader trends shaping Brazil’s offshore support market: larger vessels, hybrid propulsion, longer charter periods and continued investment in fleet modernization to meet both operational and environmental requirements. With deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2028, the new fleet will become part of Petrobras’ long-term offshore support infrastructure.

  • Onboard Starnav fleet

    Onboard Starnav fleet

    Last Thursday, May 7, WSB Advisors was aboard the PSVs Starnav Libra and Starnav Regulus, from Starnav, for a courtesy visit with clients in Guanabara Bay.

    Representing WSB: Raphael Montes, Managing Director; Pedro Pellegrini, Shipbroker/Naval Engineer; and Maria Eduarda Camba, Shipbroker Intern.

    “It was my first visit to a PSV. What caught my attention was the sheer size of the vessel and how clean and organized all the spaces were, including the engine room,” comments Maria Eduarda.

    The vessels will support a pipeline installation campaign soon.

    The agenda included representatives from the clients and the Starnav team, including Marco Antonio Cozzolino and Vinicius Balbinott Silva. We continue aligning technical and operational details to ensure safety and efficiency in the offshore execution.

    We thank Starnav for the warm reception and for the partnership that strengthens the naval sector.

  • Special WSB: Starnav Elektra in details

    Special WSB: Starnav Elektra in details

    By Rafael Bortoloti

    Detroit Brasil shipyard, located in Itajaí (Santa Catarina), launched the vessel Starnav Elektra at the end of March, a new asset for Starnav. Currently in the final commissioning phase, including lighting, finishing, and system testing, the vessel is scheduled for delivery in July 2026. More than expanding the fleet, the project represents a strategic and technological step forward for the company.

    Classified as a PSV, Starnav Elektra stands out for its larger dimensions compared to the company’s other PSVs. It features 5,500 tons of deadweight and approximately 1,000 m² of free deck area, distributed across 92.1 meters in length and 20 meters in beam—an increase of 2.1 meters and 1 meter, respectively, over other units. The vessel can accommodate up to 42 people and is equipped with a DP2 dynamic positioning system, essential for safe offshore operations.

    The main propulsion system consists of two Schottel azimuth thrusters, each rated at 2,500 kW, a configuration already well established within the fleet. The key differentiator, however, lies in the incorporation of more advanced technologies.

    The project includes a hybrid propulsion system, featuring a battery bank supplied by WEG with a capacity of 1,320 kW. The engines comply with IMO Tier III standards and operate with an SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system aimed at reducing and monitoring NOx emissions. The vessel is also equipped with advanced systems for controlling and monitoring fuel consumption, aligned with increasing demands for energy efficiency.

    Another highlight is its enhanced maneuverability, with three 1,200 kW bow thrusters, improving performance in complex operations. Starnav Elektra will be the first hybrid vessel built in Brazil and the first to operate with the Hybrid notation from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

    BNDES financing and long-term charter

    In December 2024, Starnav signed a contract to supply six PSVs to Petrobras, with Starnav Elektra leading the package. The charter will last 12 years, with operations of the first vessel expected to begin this year. The construction of the remaining units will follow a serial production model, with each project starting upon delivery of the previous one and requiring 40% local content at least.

    At the same time, the partnership between Starnav and Detroit secured a contract for the construction of four OSRVs, the first of this type in the company’s fleet, all based on the same hull design developed by Detroit.

    As a result, the fleet is expected to grow from 18 to 28 vessels in the short term, including 24 PSVs and 4 OSRVs. As with Starnav Elektra, these projects benefit from significant financing from a important financial agent, the BNDES/FMM, reflecting market confidence in the company’s execution capability.

    “These new units incorporate cutting-edge technologies and reinforce our commitment to sustainable and innovative practices. They meet the highest ESG standards and are expected to generate around 11,000 direct and indirect jobs,” said Magda Chambriard, president of Petrobras at the time.

    Source: Petrobras

    Currently, Starnav operates 18 PSV 4,500 vessels in its fleet, all DP2, with 17 built in Brazil at its own shipyard. The exception is Starnav Aquarius. The fleet is expected to reach 28 vessels in the near future

  • Coming soon: One.Energy magazine

    Coming soon: One.Energy magazine

    One Energy Magazine — Final 2025 Edition: What’s Inside

    Coming soon!

    In the upcoming and final 2025 edition of One Energy magazine, you’ll find an exclusive interview with Ronaldo Lima, Senior Advisor at WSB Advisors. Drawing on nearly 45 years in the energy sector, he discusses sensitive points in maritime regulation and shares his perspective on Brazil’s energy transition.

    This edition also brings:
    • Westhon’ new headquarters — meet the Westhon House
    • The redesigned WSB Advisors database, WSB-One.com
    • WSB Advisors’ strategic partnership with Unifeso
    • A comprehensive analysis of the Rio–Niterói ferries
    • Insights into Starnav’s growth
    • Perspectives from Fernando Vilela on digital marketing markets
    • Market updates — and more

    A must-read.

  • Brazilian industry sees strategic movements amidst market shifts

    Brazilian industry sees strategic movements amidst market shifts

    Following the discussion on Starnav’s significant fleet expansion and ongoing naval construction, the broader Brazilian naval industry continues to demonstrate strategic activity. Starnav’s proactive construction of two PSVs, initiated based on market speculation, showcased an anticipation of fleet aging trends and emerging demand within the Brazilian Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) segment. Concurrently, the state of Santa Catarina has been a focal point for additional industry movements.

    The BNDES has initiated a public selection process for a partner to conduct a technical study on the naval industry, backed by a budget of up to R$8 million. The study’s objective is to formulate policy proposals for the sector, with a focus on aligning with decarbonization goals and the energy transition. This analysis will incorporate national and international experiences, addressing productive, geopolitical, environmental considerations and establish an updated industry database.

    Transpetro has confirmed its support for this initiative. Furthermore, Transpetro recently concluded the proposal submission phase for the construction of eight new gas carriers under its TP-25 program. The tender’s structure included provisions for local content bonuses for Brazilian shipyards and penalties for foreign proposals, directly influencing the equalized results currently under evaluation.

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

  • Starnav expands fleet

    Starnav expands fleet

    The BNDES (Brazilian National Development Bank) has announced a R$2.5 billion financing package for Starnav. This capital injection is designated for the construction of eight new offshore vessels, specifically four PSVs and four OSRVs, at Starnav’s Detroit Brasil shipyard in Itajaí, Santa Catarina.

    Funds are sourced from the Merchant Marine Fund (FMM). These vessels are secured by 12-year charter contracts with Petrobras, providing direct operational mandates. Deliveries are scheduled over 1,820 days, extending until 2030, and the BNDES financing covers approximately 70% of Starnav’s projected total investment of R$2.9 billion.

    WSB Advisors highlights that these four new PSVs will join two other PSVs already in varying stages of construction, one nearing completion and another in initial stages, which were part of an open bid by Petrobras last year.

    With these additions, WSB-One.com reports that Starnav’s fleet will expand significantly. The total of 10 new vessels – comprising four OSRVs, two PSVs currently under construction and four PSVs yet to be built – will increase the fleet by nearly 50%, raising the total from 18 to 28 units. Currently, the shipowner operates 130,981 DWT. In regulatory terms, the company shows 19,422 tons of availability under ANTAQ rules. The available pool today covers 17 national PSVs and one REB-flagged unit.

  • Brazilian shipyards: exciting news

    Brazilian shipyards: exciting news

    By Rafael Bortoloti

    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.

  • OSVs renewal fleet: Petrobras’ deals with Bram and Starnav

    OSVs renewal fleet: Petrobras’ deals with Bram and Starnav

    By Rafael Bortoloti

    Petrobras has signed contracts to build and charter 12 PSVs—six from Bramand six from Starnav,—totaling BRL 16.5 billion (USD 2.7 billion). Of this, BRL 5.2 billion (USD 0.83 billion) will support local content.

    The agreements include mobilization of approximately six years for construction and 12 firm years of operation. The vessels will be built at each companies’ own shipyards: Navship (Bram) and Detroit (Starnav).

    These contracts underscore Brazil’s growing need to renew its OSV fleet and mark another step in the revival of domestic shipyards, further strengthening the naval and offshore markets.

  • Petrobras with new PSV tender

    Petrobras with new PSV tender

    By Alexandre Vilela

    Petrobras PSV New Building Bid Results are Out!

    As antecipated, Bram Offshore (Edison Chouest Offshore) and Starnav Serviços Marítimos have delivered the most competitive offers. Notably, Posidonia Shipping was about 10% higher than Bram, but worth highlighting that Posidonia’s bid was the lowest among those not utilizing their own shipyard—well done!

    The table below orders the bids from lowest to highest, but remember, Petrobras evaluates based on the total disbursement across all lots for the desired number of vessels.

    While negotiations are still pending, the logic suggests we may see 6 vessels from Bram and another 6 from Starnav.

    For more information, please contact us at comercial@cms.oneenergynews.com

  • Santos hosts SP offshore

    Santos hosts SP offshore

    The city of Santos, on the coast of São Paulo state (and which gives its name to the Santos Basin), hosts SP Offshore this week. The event will discuss topics such as security, logistical challenges, innovation, technology and sustainability.

    SP Offshore is a great opportunity for professionals in the field to meet friends in addition to making new ones, strengthening ties and expanding knowledge. This is the first edition of the event, which promises to be on the national calendar for many years to come.

    Companies such as Petrobras, MODEC, Bram Offshore, PRIO, Wilson Sons, and SBM Offshore will be present at the two-day event. The agenda has ten panels, as well as coffee breaks and pitches with start-ups.