Petrobras signs R$ 11 billion contracts to expand subsea fleet

Petrobras has signed eight contracts totaling R\$ 11 billion for the construction, chartering and provision of services involving four subsea support vessels to be used in deepwater and ultra-deepwater operations. The agreements are part of the Programa Mar Aberto, aimed at renewing and expanding the Sistema Petrobras fleet, and were signed with DOF Subsea Serviços last week.

The vessels will be built at the Navship shipyard in Navegantes, Santa Catarina. They will be RSV-type (ROV Support Vessel) vessels, designed for subsea inspection, maintenance and repair activities, which are considered strategic for the continuity of the company’s offshore operations.

Petrobras expects the project to generate approximately 7,000 direct and indirect jobs during the construction and operational phases, including around 1,500 direct jobs and 5,500 indirect jobs.

The state-owned company also highlighted the reinforcement of its policy to strengthen the Brazilian shipbuilding industry. According to the company, local content is expected to reach up to 80% during the vessel construction phase and approximately 90% during vessel operations.

High competitiveness

Petrobras Executive Manager for Subsea Systems, Flavio Bretanha, stated that the current management has increased the number of suppliers by simplifying specifications, thereby enhancing competitiveness and increasing the volume of qualified proposals.

The vessels will be equipped with hybrid propulsion systems combining batteries, electric motors and lower-emission fuels. Petrobras stated that the technology is expected to deliver greater energy efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the company’s decarbonization targets.

DOF CEO Mario Fuzetti said that the partnership involves technologically advanced vessels with reduced emissions and reinforces job creation and the strengthening of the shipbuilding industry in Brazil.

Petrobras Executive Manager for Procurement, Alexandre Gomes Alves, also emphasized the focus on local content. “This partnership once again demonstrates alignment with the local supplier market. Petrobras believes in and supports the local market. The construction of four vessels in Brazil translates into job creation and lower dependence on the international market.”