Oil companies are looking for support vessels to carry out offshore oil exploration projects, previously paralyzed due to the new coronavirus crisis

Equinor, Petrobras and Shell are holding bids for chartering offshore support vessels in Brazil. With the easing of some oil activities, previously limited due to the new coronavirus pandemic, the so-called “oil majors” are running out of time to resume exploratory projects.

O Equinor from Norway is looking for a anchor handling (AHTS) for two campaigns likely to start on September 18 and December 25, lasting 27 days and 45 firm days, respectively. 

In addition to the Peregrino field, in the Campos basin, Equinor operates several exploratory blocks on the southeastern coast of Brazil, such as BM-S-8 and North of Carcará , where the cod field should produce its first oil in the mid-2020s.

The Brazilian state Petrobras intends to charter platform supply vessels, AHTS, an offshore terminal supply vessel and line handlers. Reverse auctions are scheduled to take place at the end of next week.

Anglo-Dutch major Shell is looking for an oil spill recovery vessel (OSRV) for a spot job. Currently, the company operates the oil fields Parque das Conchas, Bijupirá and Salema, in the Campos basin, as well as exploratory blocks in the Barreirinhas, Campos, Potiguar and Santos basins. 

New Contract

On Friday, the Siem Offshore announced that it has entered into a two-year contract with options for two one-year extensions with Total E&P in Brazil for the ships Siem Atlas and Siem Giant. The contract is a continuation of this agreement.

The French oil company currently operates the Lapa field, in the pre-salt of the Santos basin, in addition to exploratory blocks in the Campos, Ceará and Foz do Amazonas basins.