Petrobras has signed contracts worth $2.8 billion for the construction and chartering of 12 platform supply vessels (PSVs). The state-owned Brazilian operator said the new vessels will be essential for exploration and production logistics operations until 2028. The contracts were signed with Edison Chouest-owned Bram Offshore and Starnav Serviços Marítimos—with each vessel company agreeing to charter six vessels. Of the total value of the contract, about $860 million is earmarked for investments in shipbuilding initiatives in Brazil.
Bram will build its six PSVs at its Navship shipyard, while Starnav selected its Detroit shipyard. Both are in Santa Catarina state in southern Brazil.
The 12-year contracts for each PSV call for a mobilization period of up to 4 years. Local content has been set at 40% during the construction phase.
“These new units will not only incorporate the latest technology, but also represent our commitment to sustainable and innovative practices,” said Petrobras Chief Executive Magda Chambriard. “These are projects that meet the highest environmental, social, and governance standards, essential for a sustainable future, in addition to generating around 11,000 direct and indirect jobs.”
The vessels will be equipped with hybrid propulsion systems, which combine electric motors and batteries with diesel/biodiesel generators, in line with Petrobras' commitment to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.
Speaking last April, Petrobras’ director of engineering, technology, and innovation, Carlos José Travassos, said that according to the forecast in the operator’s Strategic Plan 2024–2028+ there would be opportunities to contract 38 support vessels, which should enter operation by 2030. The vessels would include 12 PSVs, 10 oil spill response vessels (OSRV) and 16 Remotely Support Vessels (RSV).
