Brazil’s Petrobras to signal deal for 4 new help vessels constructed domestically

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) – Brazil’s Transpetro, a unit of state-run oil agency Petrobras, stated on Monday that native shipbuilding companies Ecovix and Mac Laren had gained a young to construct 4 new coastal vessels for $69.5 million per vessel.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

The bid is step one of Petrobras’ plan to resume its fleet of help vessels, and is a win for Brazil’s authorities because it seeks to revitalize the nation’s shipbuilding sector.

KEY QUOTE

“It’s a milestone for our administration to renew the acquisition of ships in Brazil after 10 years with out contracting vessels to increase the fleet,” stated Transpetro Chief Government Sergio Bacci in an announcement.

CONTEXT

The 4 ‘useful’ class vessels could have capability of 15,000 to 18,000 deadweight tonnage. They’re a part of the agency’s plan to fee 25 new ships, with 16 already listed in Petrobras’ strategic plan for the 2025-2029 interval.

WHAT’S NEXT

Transpetro stated it’s set to launch a second tender in January for eight pressurized and semi-refrigerated fuel tankers.