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The President of the Republic Signs Contracts to Expand Petrobras Fleet in RS, Revitalizing the Brazilian Shipbuilding Industry.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a significant contract for the Petrobras and Transpetro Fleet Expansion Program in Rio Grande do Sul. This initiative is another important step in the government’s strategy to revive the shipbuilding industry in Brazil and to recover Petrobras platforms that were deactivated. The event took place in Rio Grande, a municipality known for housing the country’s fourth busiest port terminal and the Riograndense Refinery, the first in Brazil, inaugurated in 1937.
Contract Objectives
The contract signed by Lula involves the construction of four Handy tankers. Each shipment will cost US$ 69.5 million and will be used for the transportation of petroleum derivatives along the Brazilian coast.
This action aims not only to expand Petrobras’s fleet of ships but also to create jobs and income for the sector, with an expectation of generating around 10,000 direct jobs in the shipbuilding industry. Strengthening the shipbuilding industry is essential for the Brazilian economy and national sovereignty.
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Petrobras Commitments and Government Involvement with the Shipbuilding Industry
The federal government has a clear goal of developing the shipbuilding industry in Brazil through the Naval Fleet Renewal Program of the Petrobras System.
During a recent event in Angra dos Reis, Petrobras President Magda Chambriard highlighted the importance of this program.
According to her, Petrobras is “putting the pedal to the metal” to deliver energy in an increasingly cleaner way and to leverage domestic shipyards for the construction of new ships.
Magda emphasized that Petrobras is committed to renewing its fleet, which represents a significant step for the shipbuilding industry and for Brazil’s economy.
Vice President Geraldo Alckmin also spoke about the relevance of the shipbuilding industry, stating that it is fundamental for the sovereignty and technology of the country.
He highlighted that the Brazilian coast is extensive and houses millions of Brazilians who depend on the sector. Alckmin celebrated the moment of unity and escape from the country and stressed that everyone is “in the same boat” in search of a better future.
The Importance of Petrobras for the Shipbuilding Industry
During the ceremony, Lula reaffirmed the importance of Petrobras for Brazil’s sovereignty. He stated that the stronger Petrobras is, the stronger Brazil will be.
The president highlighted that by continuing the construction of ships and platforms, Brazil is advancing in its capacity to explore and produce oil, a vital resource for the nation.
The president of Transpetro, Sérgio Bacci, stated that this is the first and not the only contract planned by the company.
“The acquisition of Handy class ships is just the beginning of the renewal and expansion of our fleet. Last week, in Angra dos Reis, we launched the bidding for eight more gas carriers. We plan to launch bids in the future to contract at least 13 more vessels by 2026, expanding Transpetro’s logistical capacity by up to 25%.”
Contract Details
The contract signed by the consortium between the Rio Grande and Mac Laren shipyards was the result of a bidding process initiated in July 2024.
The vessels will be able to be powered by biofuels, complying with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards.
In addition to the four Handy ships, Transpetro plans to launch bids for eight more gas carriers and aims to contract at least 13 more vessels by 2026.
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