Tag: WSB

  • Market dynamics and fleet balance: key insights featured in Revista Portos e Navios’ latest issue

    Market dynamics and fleet balance: key insights featured in Revista Portos e Navios’ latest issue

    The latest issue of Portos e Navios discusses the current balance of Brazil’s offshore support fleet amid rising bid activity, newbuild programs, and the growing presence of foreign tonnage.

    Based on data from wsb-one and insights from Raphael Montes, Proposals Manager at WSB Advisors, the analysis points to a stable fleet of around 500 vessels in the AJB — supported by pre-salt operations and a gradual entry of new units, with no short-term expansion expected.

    Around 25 vessels are under construction in Brazil, reflecting a more mature and selective cycle focused on efficiency, digitalization, and environmental compliance. Energy transition remains slow, with room for greater progress in biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel.

    The aging national fleet and the limited pace of newbuilds are likely to increase the share of foreign vessels, while new frontiers like the Equatorial Margin and offshore wind are still far from generating effective demand.

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

  • UNIFESO Challenge 2025 Hackathon: Innovation and Collaboration in an Immersive Weekend in Teresópolis

    UNIFESO Challenge 2025 Hackathon: Innovation and Collaboration in an Immersive Weekend in Teresópolis

    By Rafael Bortoloti

    The UNIFESO Challenge 2025 turned Teresópolis into a true laboratory of ideas. Over a 24-hour immersive marathon, Computer Science students and ADS from UNIFESO came together to develop innovative technological solutions based on challenges presented by partner companies — including Noclaf, ASL SofHouse, Medportal, Unifeso and WSB Advisors.

    Source: Unifeso

    More than a competition, the hackathon served as a platform connecting academia and the market, encouraging the development of computational solutions focused on sustainability, technology, and social impact. Teams received specialized mentorship and, at the end of the marathon, presented their projects in pitch format to a panel of representatives from the partner companies.

    Source: Unifeso

    Proposals were evaluated according to feasibility, degree of technological innovation, solution completeness, computational grounding, team synergy, clarity of communication, and user experience (UX).

    Source: Rafael Bortoloti/WSB Advisors

    The top three teams were awarded financial prizes, recognizing the effort and creativity applied under tight deadlines. One team received special recognition for contending for third place with a highly complex project delivered fully within the allotted time — exemplifying the commitment and quality achieved by the participants.

    Source: Unifeso

    In addition to supporting the Hackathon, WSB Advisors announced the opening of three internship positions at its new Teresópolis office, aimed at students interested in data, energy, and offshore projects.

    This initiative reinforces the company’s commitment to developing young talent and connecting the offshore sector with academic innovation, highlighting Teresópolis’ potential as a regional hub for technology and innovation.

    Source: Unifeso

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

  • Special WSB: “Por onde anda?”

    Special WSB: “Por onde anda?”

    The former AHTS Varada Maresias — now renamed GNL 1015 (IMO 9468657) — was expected to mark a new chapter for Galáxia Marítima S.A., entering Petrobras’ OSRV tender program.

    Built in 2013 at ABG Shipyard (India), the vessel was reflagged to Brazil and announced as part of the national offshore support fleet. A contract was reportedly awarded under Galáxia’s name — yet, to date, there are no confirmed signs of mobilization.

    According to official registries, GNL 1015 remains anchored off Niterói/RJ, length 57 m, beam 17 m, deadweight 1,850 t.

    Maritime sources point to crew-related difficulties and pending operational readiness, echoing broader challenges faced by several units reintroduced to service in recent years.

    In short: the vessel is present — but inactive.

    Between regulatory hurdles, staffing complexities, and deferred deployment, time continues to count against her contract clock.

    Next Thursday: “Por onde anda Saveiroa Albatroz?”
    Stay with WSB.One — intelligence that separates record from reality.

  • Petrobras Secures Operating License for Block FZA-M-059 in Brazil’s Equatorial Margin

    Petrobras Secures Operating License for Block FZA-M-059 in Brazil’s Equatorial Margin

    20 October 2025 – Petrobras received the operating license from Brazil’s environmental agency IBAMA to drill an exploratory well in Block FZA-M-059, located roughly 175 km off the coast of Amapá and about 500 km from the mouth of the Amazon River, in Brazil’s Equatorial Margin. Drilling operations are set to begin immediately, with an estimated duration of five months.

    The approval follows completion of the Pre-Operational Assessment (APO) in August 2025 which served as the final stage of the environmental licensing process. IBAMA validated Petrobras’ emergency response plan and operational readiness before granting the license on 24 September 2025.

    The company emphasized that this authorization marks a key step in Brazil’s pursuit of a new offshore frontier, combining technical excellence and environmental protection. According to Petrobras, the exploratory campaign aims to gather geological data to assess the presence of oil and gas in the region, with no production activities planned at this stage.

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

  • Weekly News

    Weekly News

    Open Tenders

    Dear All,

    WSB is pleased to provide an update on the current long-term tenders that are open to offer.

    What has changed?

    • Petrobras At least 1x LH: Opportunity 7004497614 new deadline October 30th, 2025;
    • Petrobras At least 1x FSV: Opportunity 7004492292 new deadline October 30th, 2025;
    • Petrobras At least 1x LH: Opportunity 7004484466 new deadline October 30th, 2025;

    What else is happening?

    • Skandi Chieftain and Skandi Olympia have been awarded 4-year RSV contracts with Petrobras, valued at approximately USD 200 million, with delivery expected in October 2026.

    FPSO Peregrino

    The FPSO Peregrino, operating in the Campos Basin, officially resumed production on October 17, 2025, following authorization from ANP. The platform, operated by Equinor, will now begin ramping up output after being offline since August 2025, when production was halted due to operational safety procedures.

    The restart marks an important step for PRIO, which holds a 40% interest in the field. The remaining 60% stake in the Peregrino field is currently being acquired from Equinor, in a transaction expected to significantly expand PRIO’s operated portfolio in the Campos Basin.

    The Peregrino FPSO produces heavy oil from shallow waters and has been a key contributor to Brazil’s offshore production since it first came online in 2011.

    FPSO Peregrino
    FPSO Peregrino (Source: Equinor)

    Key Offshore Updates

    • Halliburton has signed new contracts to support operations in deepwater fields in the Santos Basin, with activities set to begin in 2026. In the Búzios field, the company will deploy SmartWell technology to optimize production, while in the Sépia and Atapu fields, it will supply EcoStar electric safety valves. The Stim Star Brasil vessel will also perform stimulation services to enhance the productivity and efficiency of Petrobras’ reservoirs.
    • SBM submitted the best proposals in Petrobras’ tender for the SEAP I and II FPSOs, valued at approximately US$ 4 bi. Petrobras now review compliance with technical and contractual requirements before awarding the contracts. Both units will follow the Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model, under which the contractor is responsible for construction, operation, and later transfer of the assets. SEAP 2 is expected to begin operations in 2030.
    • The SEAP project forms part of Petrobras’ broader strategy to accelerate production growth and improve access to financing.
    • Petrobras has announced plans to restart operations of the FPSO Cidade de Angra dos Reis in the Tupi field, following compliance with safety requirements established by Brazil’s regulatory agency, ANP . The unit has been offline since February but is expected to return to service.
    • The FPSO Cidade de Angra dos Reis has a production capacity of up to 50,000 barrels of oil per day and has been operating in the Tupi field since October 2010. It was the first large-capacity FPSO to begin production in the Santos Basin pre-salt area, marking a key step in Brazil’s offshore development
    FPSO Cidade Angra dos Reis
    FPSO Cidade Angra dos Reis (Source; Petrobras)

    FPSO Bacalhau

    The FPSO Bacalhau has officially begun production in the Santos Basin pre-salt, marking a major step in Brazil’s offshore development. Operated by Equinor in partnership with ExxonMobil and Petrogal, the unit is among the most advanced ever deployed in the country, a 370-meter-long and 64-meter-wide floating production system with capacity to process 220,000 barrels of oil per day and store up to 2 million barrels.

    Production started on October 15, 2025, at the Bacalhau field, located about 185 km off the coast of Ilhabela (São Paulo), in water depths exceeding 2,000 meters. The first phase includes 19 wells that will be gradually brought online during the ramp-up period.

    The field’s recoverable reserves exceed 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe), making it one of the largest deepwater projects under development outside Petrobras’ direct operation. The FPSO, supplied and operated initially by MODEC, integrates combined-cycle gas turbines (CCGT) and advanced CO₂-abatement systems designed to keep carbon intensity around 9 kg per boe.

    Ownership is distributed among Equinor (40%, operator), ExxonMobil Brasil (40%), and Petrogal Brasil (20%), with PPSA overseeing production sharing over its expected 30-year lifetime.

    Special Westhon Media

    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 responsible Superpesa.

    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.com, ships don’t vanish – they’re verified.

    Next Thursday: “Por onde anda VARADA MARESIAS?”

    Stay tuned.

    Source: Internet

    WSB at UFRJ

    At the invitation of the Naval League, WSB Advisors held a special talk yesterday (October 14th) for students of Naval and Ocean Engineering at UFRJ. Four WSB professionals shared their experiences and insights on the current landscape and future opportunities in the naval and offshore industries — both essential pillars for Brazil’s energy and economic development.

    Source: Plínio Ruan dos Santos Lima/Liga Naval

    The two-hour roundtable was moderated by Raphael Montes (Proposals Manager) and featured Paulo Rolim (Advisory Lead), Ronaldo Lima (Senior Advisor), and Pedro Pellegrini (Intern and Naval Engineering student at UFRJ). Together, the group fostered an enriching and intergenerational dialogue, combining different but complementary perspectives on professional growth in the industry.

    Source: Plínio Ruan dos Santos Lima/Liga Naval

    During the discussion, WSB Advisors explained how the commercial segment operates within the naval industry, emphasizing that there is much more beyond structural calculations, EPCI projects, and classification societies. The speakers highlighted that shipbroking does not necessarily require an engineering background — although a solid understanding of vessel design and operations is a valuable advantage.

    Ronaldo Lima, a civil engineer by training, shared his experience transitioning from a technical foundation into the commercial and financial sides of the offshore sector, detailing the challenges and opportunities that come with this shift.

    Paulo Rolim emphasized that even in uncertain market cycles, there will always be space for skilled professionals. With five decades of experience as a naval engineer, he underlined the importance of internships, continuous learning, and the university experience as key elements in developing maturity and professional confidence.

    Closing the session, Pedro Pellegrini spoke about the importance of building a strong and authentic professional network — even for those pursuing purely technical paths. He highlighted how his time at WSB Advisors has broadened his perspective, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the sector and its main players — from shipowners and charterers to drillers and service companies.

    The event concluded with remarks from Plínio Ruan dos Santos Lima, Vice President and Marketing Coordinator of the Naval League, who expressed his gratitude:

    “The Naval League is deeply thankful for WSB Advisors’ participation. Events like this show students the real-world side of naval engineering and its many opportunities while inspiring us with the speakers’ experiences. Every word was received with enthusiasm and will serve as valuable guidance for our professional journeys. One question that remains is: what’s more challenging — moving from the technical side to the commercial area, or the other way around?”

    Staff Announcement

    WSB Advisors is pleased to welcome Romulo Bacchiega, who joins the company as Head of Content & Sales.

    Born in Niterói (RJ), Romulo joined the team in late October with the mission of strengthening WSB Advisors’ communication and marketing departments while fostering strategic partnerships with leading offshore market players.

    With a solid career since 2004 in the Oil & Gas and Naval sectors, he brings extensive experience in technical procurement, negotiation and EPC contract management. Over the years, he has worked with major shipyards and international companies, leading acquisitions of equipment, materials and services for large-scale projects — including the construction of ships and offshore platforms.

    Fluent in English and skilled in the use of Generative AI tools, Romulo holds a degree in Business Administration from ESPM, a postgraduate degree in Project Management from COPPEAD/UFRJ, and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in Digital Journalism and Communication at FAAP. He is recognized for his strong negotiation skills, strategic vision in procurement and proven ability to optimize processes and manage relationships with global suppliers.

    We are excited to have Romulo on board and look forward to his contributions and growth within the group.

    “It is a great pleasure and honor to join such a highly qualified and dedicated team as the one I’ve found at WSB. I am confident that we will achieve excellent results together, delivering information with accuracy and credibility while contributing to the development of the naval, offshore and energy sectors through WSB’s valuable market intelligence,” said Bacchiega.

  • Open Tenders & More

    Open Tenders & More

    By Maria Eduarda Camba

    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 LH: Opportunity 7004497614 new deadline October 30th, 2025;
    • Petrobras At least 1x FSV: Opportunity 7004492292 new deadline October 30th, 2025;
    • Petrobras At least 1x LH: Opportunity 7004484466 new deadline October 30th, 2025;

    What else is happening?

    • Skandi Chieftain and Skandi Olympia have been awarded 4-year RSV contracts with Petrobras, valued at approximately USD 200 million, with delivery expected in October 2026.
    • Bacalhau field in the Santos Basin has officially started production, marking a key milestone for Equinor and its partners, with the field set to produce safely, efficiently and with production emissions half the industry average.
    • The FPSO Peregrino, operating in the Campos Basin , officially resumed production on October 17, 2025, following authorization from (ANP). The restart marks an important step for PRIO, which holds a 40% interest in the field. The remaining 60% stake in the Peregrino field is currently being acquired from Equinor, in a transaction expected to significantly expand PRIO’s operated portfolio in the Campos Basin.
  • FPSO Peregrino resumes production after ANP authorization

    FPSO Peregrino resumes production after ANP authorization

    The FPSO Peregrino, operating in the Campos Basin, officially resumed production on October 17, 2025, following authorization from (ANP). The platform, operated by Equinor do Brasil, will now begin ramping up output after being offline since August 2025, when production was halted due to operational safety procedures.

    The restart marks an important step for PRIO, which holds a 40% interest in the field. The remaining 60% stake in the Peregrino field is currently being acquired from Equinor, in a transaction expected to significantly expand PRIO’s operated portfolio in the Campos Basin.

    The Peregrino FPSO produces heavy oil from shallow waters and has been a key contributor to Brazil’s offshore production since it first came online in 2011.

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

  • Special: Por onde anda?

    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.


  • WSB Advisors at UFRJ: Exploring New Horizons in Naval Engineering

    WSB Advisors at UFRJ: Exploring New Horizons in Naval Engineering

    By Rafael Bortoloti

    At the invitation of the Naval League, WSB Advisors held a special talk yesterday (October 14th) for students of Naval and Ocean Engineering at UFRJ. Four WSB professionals shared their experiences and insights on the current landscape and future opportunities in the naval and offshore industries — both essential pillars for Brazil’s energy and economic development.

    Source: Plínio Ruan dos Santos Lima/Liga Naval

    The two-hour roundtable was moderated by Raphael Montes (Proposals Manager) and featured Paulo Rolim (Advisory Lead), Ronaldo Lima (Senior Advisor), and Pedro Pellegrini (Intern and Naval Engineering student at UFRJ). Together, the group fostered an enriching and intergenerational dialogue, combining different but complementary perspectives on professional growth in the industry.

    Source: Plínio Ruan dos Santos Lima/Liga Naval

    During the discussion, WSB Advisors explained how the commercial segment operates within the naval industry, emphasizing that there is much more beyond structural calculations, EPCI projects, and classification societies. The speakers highlighted that shipbroking does not necessarily require an engineering background — although a solid understanding of vessel design and operations is a valuable advantage.

    Ronaldo Lima, a civil engineer by training, shared his experience transitioning from a technical foundation into the commercial and financial sides of the offshore sector, detailing the challenges and opportunities that come with this shift.

    Paulo Rolim emphasized that even in uncertain market cycles, there will always be space for skilled professionals. With five decades of experience as a naval engineer, he underlined the importance of internships, continuous learning, and the university experience as key elements in developing maturity and professional confidence.

    Closing the session, Pedro Pellegrini spoke about the importance of building a strong and authentic professional network — even for those pursuing purely technical paths. He highlighted how his time at WSB Advisors has broadened his perspective, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the sector and its main players — from shipowners and charterers to drillers and service companies.

    The event concluded with remarks from Plínio Ruan dos Santos Lima, Vice President and Marketing Coordinator of the Naval League, who expressed his gratitude:

    “The Naval League is deeply thankful for WSB Advisors’ participation. Events like this show students the real-world side of naval engineering and its many opportunities while inspiring us with the speakers’ experiences. Every word was received with enthusiasm and will serve as valuable guidance for our professional journeys. One question that remains is: what’s more challenging — moving from the technical side to the commercial area, or the other way around?”

    Source: Plínio Ruan dos Santos Lima/Liga Naval

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

  • WSB Welcomes Romulo Bacchiega as Head of Content & Sales

    WSB Welcomes Romulo Bacchiega as Head of Content & Sales

    WSB Advisors is pleased to welcome Romulo Bacchiega, who joins the company as Head of Content & Sales.

    Born in Niterói (RJ), Romulo joined the team in late October with the mission of strengthening WSB Advisors’ communication and marketing departments while fostering strategic partnerships with leading offshore market players.

    With a solid career since 2004 in the Oil & Gas and Naval sectors, he brings extensive experience in technical procurement, negotiation and EPC contract management. Over the years, he has worked with major shipyards and international companies, leading acquisitions of equipment, materials and services for large-scale projects — including the construction of ships and offshore platforms.

    Fluent in English and skilled in the use of Generative AI tools, Romulo holds a degree in Business Administration from ESPM, a postgraduate degree in Project Management from COPPEAD/UFRJ, and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in Digital Journalism and Communication at FAAP. He is recognized for his strong negotiation skills, strategic vision in procurement and proven ability to optimize processes and manage relationships with global suppliers.

    We are excited to have Romulo on board and look forward to his contributions and growth within the group.

    “It is a great pleasure and honor to join such a highly qualified and dedicated team as the one I’ve found at WSB. I am confident that we will achieve excellent results together, delivering information with accuracy and credibility while contributing to the development of the naval, offshore and energy sectors through WSB’s valuable market intelligence,” said Bacchiega.

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

  • FPSO Cidade Angra dos Reis: Petrobras set to restart production

    FPSO Cidade Angra dos Reis: Petrobras set to restart production

    Petrobras has announced plans to restart operations of the FPSO Cidade de Angra dos Reis in the Tupi field, following compliance with safety requirements established by Brazil’s regulatory agency, ANP – Agência Nacional do Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis. The unit has been offline since February but is expected to return to service.

    The Cidade de Angra dos Reis has a production capacity of up to 50,000 barrels of oil per day and has been operating in the Tupi field since October 2010. It was the first large-capacity FPSO to begin production in the Santos Basin pre-salt area, marking a key step in Brazil’s offshore development.

    Petrobras has extended the charter of the unit through 2030, when its decommissioning is planned. The Tupi consortium is operated by Petrobras (67.216%), alongside Shell (23.024%), Petrogal Brasil S.A. (9.209%), and PPSA (Pré-Sal Petróleo S/A) (0.551%). Tupi remains Brazil’s second-largest producing field, behind only Búzios.

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

  • WSB Advisors at UFRJ: where technique becomes strategy

    WSB Advisors at UFRJ: where technique becomes strategy

    This Tuesday, October 14th, WSB Advisors will take part in an event organized by the Naval League at the Technology Center of UFRJ, strengthening the connection between academia and the offshore industry.

    The meeting will be held in a roundtable format and aims to discuss the multiple career paths available to naval engineers — paths that go far beyond enclosed environments, computer screens and spreadsheets.

    The purpose is to present to future professionals the broad commercial scope of the naval and offshore industries, which offer real career opportunities in strategic areas such as negotiation, project development, maritime operations and asset planning.

    Under the theme “Where Technique Becomes Strategy: The Commercial Vision of Naval Engineering,” four WSB Advisors professionals will share their experiences and perspectives on the current landscape and future opportunities within the naval and offshore sectors — both fundamental to Brazil’s energy and economic development.

    Representing the company:
    Paulo Rolim, Advisory Lead
    Pedro Pellegrini, Shipbroker Intern
    Raphael Montes, Proposals Manager
    Ronaldo Lima, Senior Advisor

    The event will conclude with a coffee break and networking session, offering an opportunity for students, researchers and industry professionals to exchange ideas and strengthen connections within the sector.