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Transpetro launches international tender to hire 4 'Handy' class ships. Shipyards in Brazil can use resources from the Merchant Marine Fund (FMM).
Transpetro has opened a global bidding process for the acquisition of four additional ships. Companies that wish to participate will have a period of 90 days to submit their proposals. The selected shipyard is expected to be announced and the contract signed by the end of this year.
This initiative is led by Transpetro, which acts as a Petrobras' transport and logistics subsidiary. National shipbuilding companies will be able to use the resources of the Merchant Marine Fund (FMM) to participate in this project. The results of the bidding and the formalization of contracts are expected to occur in December.
Capacity and Launch of Transpetro Vessels
The 'Handy' class ships will have a capacity varying between 15 thousand and 18 thousand deadweight tons, and the launch of the first vessel will take place in the first half of 2026. According to Transpetro, subsequent launches will be carried out at an interval of six months, running until mid-2028.
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Opening of the Competition and Process Details
The executive president of Transpetro, Sergio Bacci, highlighted that competition will be open to both local and international companies. However, the shipyards in Brazil will have the advantage of accessing the Merchant Marine Fund (FMM), in addition to Petrobras considering import taxes when evaluating proposals.
Incentive to the Brazilian Naval Industry
Bacci stated, in a press conference held in Rio de Janeiro, that the announced ship acquisitions represent a great stimulus for the Brazilian shipping industry. He expressed hope that domestic shipyards will take advantage of this opportunity. Interested companies have 90 days to submit their proposals.
Winner Announcement and Contract Signing
Transpetro expects the winning shipyard to be announced and the contract signed in December this year. Orders are part of the fleet renewal and expansion program of the Petrobras System, in which 16 cabotage vessels are currently included, according to the oil company's Strategic Plan for 2024 to 2028, with another nine still under study.
Presidential Pressure and Relevance for the Economy
After pressure from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Petrobras was encouraged to strengthen country's naval industry. The president considers that the sector is essential for creating jobs, especially after its loss of relevance in the last decade due to corruption scandals involving several works.
Strengthening Oil and Derivatives Logistics
The president of Petrobras, Magda Chambriard, emphasized in a statement that the program will increase the logistics capacity for oil and oil products. Chambriard also highlighted that these hires are a milestone for the strengthening of the national naval and offshore industry.
Transpetro Structure and Operations
With a prominent position as the largest multimodal oil and oil product logistics company in Latin America, Transpetro currently operates 48 terminals, 27 waterways and 21 land, in addition to around 8,5 kilometers of pipelines and 33 ships. In addition to serving Petrobras, Transpetro also works with distributors, the petrochemical industry and several companies in the oil and gas sector.
This extensive client portfolio exceeds 160 contractors, highlighting the importance of the transport and Petrobras logistics on the national scene.
Source: Transpetro *
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