BNDES approves R$ 2.18 Billion for construction of four ships in Santa Catarina

São Francisco do Sul Terminal, in Santa Catarina, will also receive funding from the Merchant Marine Fund (Disclosure)

The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) has approved R\$ 2.18 billion from the Merchant Marine Fund (FMM) for the construction of four offshore support vessels in Santa Catarina.

The funds will be released to Bram Offshore Transportes Marítimos and will cover the construction of RSV-type vessels (ROV support vessels), which will be built at the Navship shipyard in Navegantes.

This is the third operation approved by BNDES in the 2025–2026 biennium using FMM resources to boost new offshore support vessel construction at Santa Catarina's shipbuilding hub. Together, the operations total R\$ 6.6 billion and are expected to generate 4,000 jobs, according to BNDES.

The vessels will be used in offshore support operations, including assistance with remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), which are employed in the inspection, maintenance, and installation of subsea systems.

The project includes the incorporation of solutions aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing atmospheric emissions, including a hybrid propulsion system with batteries and technologies designed to lower fuel consumption and improve the vessels' operational performance.

During the construction phase, scheduled to run from 2027 to 2030, BNDES estimates that approximately 2,000 direct jobs will be maintained at the shipyard.

Once completed, operation of the new vessels is expected to generate approximately 120 direct jobs and 160 indirect jobs.