Petrobras has issued an RFI for a pioneering Offshore Wind pilot project near Porto do Açu, Rio de Janeiro. The initiative aims to install a high-capacity turbine (18MW+) 25km offshore, with 32km of submarine cables to form the interconnection system. The project may be contracted in parts or as a complete EPCI (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation) package.
Set to launch operations by September 2028, the facility will supply power to the grid, off-grid projects, or support the electrification of E&P activities.
This international RFI invites global expertise, particularly from regions like the North Sea, to strengthen Petrobras’ capabilities in offshore wind and foster the development of a robust supply chain for Brazil’s energy transition.
Brava has announced the signing of three contracts for its first integrated development campaign in the Atlanta and Papa-Terra fields, with an option to develop the Malombe field through a tieback.
The campaign will begin in 2025 and the contracts value, covering the first four wells, is approximately $200 million.
– The Lone Star rig, provided by Constellation Oil Services, will drill and complete the wells in the Atlanta and Papa-Terra fields, with the possibility of a fifth well, to be decided by Brava.
– OneSubsea will supply two wet Christmas Trees, safety equipment used in oil extraction, for the Atlanta field. The equipment for the Papa-Terra and Malombe fields is already in place.
– Baker Hughes will provide flowlines and risers for the Atlanta wells, with an option for Malombe. Existing flowlines will be used for the Papa-Terra wells.
Our shipbroking team was invited by Camorim to attend their end-of-year cocktail party at Marina da Glória, Rio de Janeiro. The event also served as a celebration of the delivery of the company’s newest acquisition: the C Fênix.
C Fênix (Source: Camorim)
The ASD tug was built in Itajaí and is the first of five vessels of this type to be delivered by the DETROIT BRASIL shipyard. This type of vessel stands out for its improved maneuverability, reduced costs, lower risk of damage, and its hydrodynamic hull. The C Fênix has 70 tons of Bollard Pull, a length of 24.35 meters and 11 meters beam.
We would like to thank Camorim for the invitation and congratulate them for this wonderful event, wishing that C Fênix literally incorporates Camorim´s come back success throughout the coming year.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Amigo da Marinha medal, the Invictus Brazilian Navy Marinha do Brasil recognition for services to the Brazilian Navy. This achievement holds special meaning as I reflect on 2024, the year I celebrate 25 years of dedication to the merchant marine.
The journey began humbly when I first walked into Petrobras‘ headquarters to join the cargo shipment control department. Under the guidance of extraordinary mentors, I was granted opportunities to immerse myself in the world of shipping: embarking on tankers, overseeing loading operations, visiting refineries, and even spending time on oil rigs. These formative years awakened the passion for shipping in the grandson of a shipowner, my grandfather Elias Mattar.
Later, Maersk provided me with the incredible MISE program, which I firmly believe to be the best shipping education in the world. My career continued with Shell and culminated in the founding of my own shipbroking firm 14 years ago. Since 2016, with the growth of WSB Advisors, the scope of our operations has expanded into technology, engineering, and beyond.
Recently, my dear friend and business partner Joana Rodrigues helped me realize the impact of this journey—not only on myself but also on the many seafarers and professionals at sea and in land whose livelihoods were touched by the vessels I helped manage, repair, and employ. A lifetime dedicated to the merchant marine has brought a collection of cherished friendships.
This medal also reminds me of the inseparable connection between the merchant marine and the Brazilian Navy. The Brazilian merchant marine has long been a pillar of the nation’s economic strength. From World War II to the present day, merchant seafarers have made incredible sacrifices for the prosperity and sovereignty of Brazil, often with little recognition from society.
Alexandre with Dalton Schmitt (middle) and Pedro Schlegel, from TSA (Source: Brazilian Navy)
The Navy has always been a cornerstone of this maritime vocation, educating, preparing, and certifying the seafarers who fuel the lifeblood of the nation’s shipping industry. I am immensely proud to contribute to this tradition in my own capacity and to help promote the success of Brazil’s maritime endeavors.
In the photos, I stand proudly alongside my dear friend and inspiration, Dalton Schmitt, who continues to devote his life to shipping and also received the medal this year.
A special mention goes to Mauricio Almeida, who this year celebrates an incredible 50 years of dedication to the industry. Working with Mauricio over the past year has been an honor, and his wisdom and passion for shipping have been invaluable in shaping my ongoing journey.
Alexandre Vilela and Maurício Almeida (Source: Brazilian Navy)
To all who dedicate their lives to the maritime vocation, I salute you. This medal is not just a recognition of my efforts but a testament to the shared mission of strengthening Brazil’s maritime legacy”, says Alexandre Vilela, CEO of WSB Advisors.
Numbers don’t lie as they reveal Petrobras’ strategy for FPSOs. Of the 18 FPSOs set to be contracted, 10 have already been awarded, with 12 of the total slated to be leased units and only 6 owned by Petrobras. This marks a shift, tilting the current 40% leased vs. owned ratio further toward leasing.
But at what lifting cost? (Ineep and Dieese numbers)
For post-salt deepwater, leased units have 15% higher lifting costs. For ultra-deepwater pre-salt, the difference soars to 50% higher lifting costs for leased units.
Managing and operating FPSOs isn’t Petrobras’ core business. Yet, owning units can provide an economical advantage while also driving Brazil’s shipbuilding and support industries. On tankers, sovereignty and logistical control under state management are clear benefits.
So why the shift to leasing FPSOs? If owned units are more cost-efficient in the long run, is Petrobras prioritizing short-term flexibility over long-term strategy? Cash restrains?
Petrobras released a new Well Simulation Support Vessel (WSSV) public tender, approximately one year after re-chartering the Stim Star Arabian Gulf. This new tender allows for up to 3 vessels to be chartered, in which Petrobras most likely seeks to re-absorb the remaining 3 WSSVs already operating in their fleet.
The opportunity will take offers of both Brazilian and foreign-flagged vessels, with current deadline for submissions on December 4th.
This type of tender leads to three contracts for the awarded company(ies): one charter party agreement for the vessel, one services agreement for the well stimulation plant and one agreement for the supply of chemical products.
For further details on this tender or other information about our Offshore segment, please contact us at comercial@cms.oneenergynews.com
The Transpetro – Petrobras Transporte S. A. TP-25 Shipbuilding Program
The tender for the first four handy-size tankers (15-18 thousand DWT) of Transpetro’s TP-25 shipbuilding program has received a bid from shipyard Rio Grande S.A, in partnership with Mac Laren. Among 20 pre-qualified bidders, this offer quotes around USD 75 million per vessel—a total of USD 300 million for all four units, or approximately BRL 1.7 billion.
The absence of additional contenders and adherence to deadlines, notably without repeated postponements, indicate that Transpetro is moving decisively forward, on their commitment to meeting fleet renewal demands pushing for market alignment. This approach also highlights the potential for Brazilian shipbuilding costs to benefit from scale, achieving greater competitiveness with shipbuilding leaders, especially China.
WSB Advisors is proud to have acted as advisors to the offering group in this tender. As the process advances to the negotiation and approval phases, several critical steps remain before the contract can be finalized.
WSB Advisors hosted the fourth and final quarterly workshop of the year last Thursday, November 7. After two previous events for shipowners and a seminar, we’re closing the season by welcoming leaders from chartering companies to our office.
Our team—Alexandre Mattar Vilela, Raphael Montes, Joana Rodrigues, Pedro Pellegrini and Daniel Buckley—presented an overview of vessels in Brazil, including an analysis of current and projected daily charter rates for OSVs in the country and more.
In addition, guests discussed key industry topics such as vessel lifespans, flags, tonnage, and reviewed real market case studies.
Key points:
• History, present, and future of rates
• Market implications
• Brazilian legislation
•Contracts, bidding processes, new builds, circularization, and vessel blocks
• Green energy and the energy transition: more supply and more demand?
Tender Update: Petrobras Signs Contracts to Meet AHTS Demand
We’re pleased to share that Petrobras has now signed contracts for the recent AHTS TS/TO tender, fulfilling all demand requirements.
For our WSBOne subscribers, this information with vessel names and dates is already live on our online platform, offering early insights into contract developments. The ability to predict and track vessel movements, departures, and arrivals remains a critical part of the intelligence that drives our industry forward.
Stay connected for more updates as we continue to deliver timely and actionable insights.
ANP has released its monthly report on oil and gas production for September this year. A notable highlight is the record production in the pre-salt region, which reached 3.681 million boed. The pre-salt also achieved a record share of national oil and gas production, accounting for 81.2% of the total 4.539 million boed produced.
Additionally, Brazil recorded an overall increase in oil production compared to the previous month. In September, total production in Brazil reached 3.470 million boed, reflecting a 3.9% increase compared to August. However, this marks a 5.5% decline compared to the same month in 2023. Natural gas production was 169.92 million m³ per day, another record for Brazil. This represents a 6.4% increase compared to August 2024 and a 7.6% increase compared to September 2023.
Petrobras has released a new SEP tender (invitational) to charter up to 3 PSVs.
The PSVs are divided into different specifications (Multipurpose, Fluid Carrier, Oil Carrier & General Cargo) and will be chartered according to a pre-defined priority order.
Offers are for 4-year firm contracts with delivery in November 2025 or 180 days after contract signature.
All the vessels must be DP-2 and age not above 20 years
DOF Group has announced the completion of its acquisition of Maersk Supply Service, and the company will now be known as DOF Denmark. The transaction is valued at approximately $1.1 billion, consisting of a mix of cash and shares, allowing DOF to expand its fleet to 78 OSVs. It’s important to note that Maersk’s operations in Brazil are not included in this transaction, nor are Maersk Offshore Wind operations involved in the deal.
“DOF name and brand remain, MSS fades away. Makes sense. A.P. Moller Holding has evolved to become an industrial investor leveraging from the position its A.P. Moller – Maersk different operating companies built throughout decades. DOF on the other hand is the right vehicle to raise the equity and debt facility to enable the transaction. A.P.Moller to nominate two additional members to the board (vice-chairman and member of the remuneration committee) and the chairman of the nomination committee. Complex deal. Nice move. Good for both. Good for the industry”, said Alexandre Vilela, CEO of WSB Advisors.
