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Transpetro surprises and contracts nine Suezmax vessels, stimulating South Korea's shipbuilding industry

Written by Roberta Souza
Published 20/03/2025 às 18:14
transpetro - ships - naval industry -
photo/reproduction: Transpetro

The decision has caused frustration among Brazilian shipyards who were expecting the vessels to be built locally, promising modernization and efficiency.

A transpetro, a subsidiary of Petrobras, announced the hiring of nine ships dynamic class positioning Suezmax DP2, which will have a significant impact on marine industry da South Korea. This decision, however, generated frustration among Brazilian shipyards, who were expecting the construction of these vessels on national territory, especially after promises made by the president. Squid to reheat the sector.

Details of the hiring of vessels

The new vessels, which will double the relief capacity of the Petrobras System platforms, 700 thousand deadweight tonnes (DWT) to 1,35 million TPB to 2028, were acquired through an international market consultation carried out by TIBV, the Dutch subsidiary of Transpetro.

The competition included 22 competitors, being the group Tsakos the winner.

Each vessel will have 150 thousand tons of gross weight and will be built at the shipyard Samsung, in South Korea.

 The contract value is estimated at US $ 2 billion for the nine vessels, with a bareboat chartering scheme that extends for 15 years.

Innovations and benefits of new ships

Os Suezmax ships of the DP2 class are part of a new generation of vessels that feature greater energy efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

According to Transpetro, the new vessels will include low NOx emission engines (Tier III), a bow loading system (BLS), preparation for alternative fuels such as methanol and ethanol, as well as connection to shore power at electrified terminals.

These technological advances can reduce pollutant gas emissions by up to 30%, aligning with the guidelines of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and reinforcing Transpetro's commitment to decarbonisation of its operations.

Frustration in the Brazilian naval industry

Transpetro's choice to opt for shipyards in South Korea has left Brazilian shipyards disappointed. Transpetro's president, Sergio Bacci, a former director of the synaval, aware of the difficulties in the sector, did not announce the hiring.

Instead, it was the Director of Maritime Transport, Jones Soares, who shared the news.

The lack of opportunities for Brazilian shipyards in projects of this magnitude raises questions about the development of marine industry national and the modernization capacity of local shipyards.

Historically, the Brazilian naval industry has been a robust sector, with active shipyards and a skilled workforce.

However, the economic crisis and the difficulties faced in recent years have resulted in a reduction in investments and a loss of competitiveness compared to shipyards in other countries, such as those in South Korea and China.

Transpetro's decision to build new ships abroad can be seen as a reflection of the urgent need to revitalize the Brazilian naval industry.

Other Transpetro investments

Despite hiring vessels in South Korea, Transpetro has demonstrated a commitment to expanding its logistics capacity.

Em February 2023, the company signed a contract for the acquisition of four Handy-class ships, to be built in Brazil by shipyards Rio Grande (RS) e Mac Laren (RJ).

This initiative, together with the recent international public tender launched for the acquisition of eight gas tankers with capacities ranging from 7 thousand to 14 thousand cubic meters, demonstrates an attempt to balance the need for modernization with support for local industry.

Additionally, Transpetro announced plans to increase by 25% its cabotage logistics capacity up to 2030.

This ambitious goal reflects the intention to expand the transportation capacity of products and inputs, contributing to the growth of the oil and gas sector in Brazil.

The future of the Brazilian naval industry with Transpetro

Transpetro's decision to build nine ships in South Korea raises questions about the future of the Brazilian naval industry.

For Brazil to be able to compete on a global level, it is essential that there be investments in modernization and training of local shipyards.

While the Brazilian Navy reaps the benefits of international partnerships, such as the acquisition of submarines and frigates from France and Germany, Transpetro could also explore learning and development opportunities with the national naval industry.

A possible way to revitalize the local naval industry would be to implement policies to encourage shipbuilding in Brazil, including subsidies, financing and public-private partnerships.

These measures could help restore the competitiveness of Brazilian shipyards and create an environment conducive to innovation and modernization in the sector.

Challenges and opportunities for the naval industry

Hiring nine Suezmax ships from transpetro represents an important step towards the modernization of its fleet, but at the same time highlights the need for revitalization of Brazilian naval industry.

The choice to build these vessels in South Korea generates frustration and highlights the importance of a dialogue between Transpetro, the government and national shipyards to promote growth and innovation in the sector.

The future of the naval industry in Brazil depends on strategies that encourage local construction and worker training, ensuring sustainable and competitive development.

The dilemma faced by Transpetro reflects a broader challenge that Brazilian industry needs to face: how to balance modernization and operational efficiency with strengthening the national industrial base.

Only through strategic planning and effective collaboration between all those involved will it be possible to guarantee a prosperous and sustainable future for the Brazilian naval industry.

SOURCE: PETRONOTÍCIAS

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Paulo
Paulo
22/03/2025 00:15

Perhaps this decision by TRANSPETRO needs the approval of PRESIDENT LULA,

if it is this way WITHOUT STIMULATION to our NAVAL SECTOR,

WILL NOT have the approval of PRESIDENT LULA

Egberto Ribeiro de Oliveira
Egberto Ribeiro de Oliveira
In reply to  Paulo
22/03/2025 17:51

Good afternoon, this is the news that leaves Brazilians disappointed. Currently, shipyards in Brazil are idle. Here in Bahia, specifically in the city of Maragogipe, the shipyard is abandoned. A large number of unemployed people are waiting for the shipyard to reopen. This decision is absurd. If it were another government, people would already be complaining all over Brazil. Do the L

Alberto Passos
Alberto Passos
In reply to  Paulo
24/03/2025 17:22

This Lula is a braggart. No one believes a word this convict says anymore.

Roberta Souza

Petroleum Engineer, postgraduate in Commissioning of Industrial Units, specialist in Industrial Corrosion. Get in touch to suggest an agenda, advertise job vacancies or advertise on our portal. We do not receive resumes

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