Brazil's Petrobras Boosts Local Industry with New Support Vessels

Petrobras, Brazil's state-owned oil and gas company, has announced a significant investment in the local shipbuilding industry by awarding contracts for the construction of 12 new platform supply vessels (PSVs). This move not only strengthens Petrobras' offshore operations but also generates substantial economic benefits and job creation in Brazil. Let's delve into the details of this strategic decision and its implications for the country's economic growth.

Petrobras has allocated 16.5 billion reais ($2.8 billion) for the construction of these 12 PSVs, with each vessel operator, Bram Offshore and Starnav Serviços Marítimos, set to charter six vessels. This investment plays a crucial part in Petrobras' ongoing efforts to enhance its operational efficiency, sustainability, and technological capabilities in the energy sector. Moreover, it highlights the company's commitment to strengthening the domestic shipbuilding industry and generating local employment.



As part of the project, approximately 5.2 billion reais will be dedicated to shipbuilding activities within Brazil. Both vessel operators have chosen prominent Brazilian shipyards for the construction of their new vessels. Bram Offshore will build its six PSVs at the Navship shipyard, while Starnav has selected the Detroit shipyard, both located in Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. This decision underscores Petrobras' dedication to fostering local industry development and creating jobs in the region.

The new PSVs will incorporate cutting-edge technology with a strong focus on sustainable practices. Each vessel will be equipped with hybrid propulsion systems, combining electric engines and batteries with diesel or biodiesel-powered generators. This technology will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to Petrobras' broader goal of sustainability and minimizing its environmental impact.



Magda Chambriard, Petrobras' CEO, stated, "These new units will not only incorporate the latest technology but also represent our commitment to sustainable and innovative practices. These projects are designed to meet the highest environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, which are essential for a sustainable future, alongside creating approximately 11,000 direct and indirect jobs."

The awarded contracts also include a 12-year operational period with up to four years for vessel mobilization. This extended operational timeline indicates Petrobras' long-term planning and its need for reliable, high-performance vessels to support the company's offshore exploration and production activities. The duration of these contracts ensures the continued service of these vessels over an extended period, strengthening Petrobras' offshore operations and fleet.

The 12 new PSVs are part of Petrobras' broader initiative to modernize its offshore fleet, aligning with the company's 2025-2029 strategic plan. This modernization effort will help Petrobras maintain its competitive edge in the global energy market while focusing on reducing environmental impact and improving the efficiency of the company's operations. The inclusion of advanced hybrid propulsion systems is a crucial aspect of this strategy, positioning Petrobras as a leader in environmentally conscious maritime operations.

In conclusion, Petrobras' investment in the construction of 12 new support vessels not only boosts the company's offshore operations but also generates significant economic benefits and job creation in Brazil. By choosing local shipyards and incorporating sustainable technology, Petrobras demonstrates its commitment to fostering local industry development, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting a sustainable future. This strategic move highlights the company's dedication to meeting international environmental standards and supporting Brazil's energy transition.