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Petrobras Strengthens The Naval Sector With New Contracts For The Boaventura Refining Project And Construction Of Support Vessels, Expanding The Logistics Chain And Boosting Jobs In Brazil
According to a release from The Petrobras on Monday (6), the state-owned company formalized the signing of strategic contracts totaling R$ 19.8 billion last Friday (3), marking a new chapter in the modernization of the refining park and the expansion of offshore logistics.
The announcement includes the Boaventura Refining Project and the chartering of support vessels for underwater operations, with significant impacts on the naval industry, job creation, and regional development.
Boaventura Refining Project: Modernization and Energy Efficiency
Petrobras has signed five service contracts worth R$ 9.6 billion for the construction of units that make up the Boaventura Refining Project, located in the Boaventura Energy Complex in Itaboraí (RJ). The project envisions integration with the Duque de Caxias Refinery (Reduc), expanding the production of higher-value derivatives with low sulfur content.
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Among the main products are:
- 76 thousand barrels/day of diesel S-10
- 20 thousand barrels/day of aviation kerosene (QAV)
- 12 thousand barrels/day of Group II lubricants
These derivatives are essential for the energy transition, offering higher performance and lower environmental impact. The construction will include two unprecedented units: one for Hydrogen Isomerization Deparaffination (HIDW) and another for Catalytic Hydrocracking (HCC), both with state-of-the-art technology.
The initiative reinforces Petrobras’s commitment to sustainable and efficient production.
Support Vessels: Innovation and Sustainability At Sea
In addition to the investment in refining, Petrobras formalized charter contracts for four support vessels of the RSV type (ROV Support Vessel), intended for the inspection, maintenance, and installation of underwater systems. The total value of the contracts is R$ 10.2 billion.
The vessels will be built at the Navship shipyard in Navegantes (SC), with delivery scheduled between 2029 and 2030. The project requires a minimum of 40% local content in construction and 60% in operation. However, the contracted company, BRAM Offshore, aims to achieve up to 80% nationalization in construction and up to 90% in operation.
These vessels will have hybrid technology and will be able to operate with ethanol, reducing pollutant emissions and fuel consumption by up to 30%. This innovation reinforces Petrobras’s commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.
Naval Industry Gains New Momentum With Petrobras Initiative
The construction of the vessels represents a direct boost to the national naval industry. The Navship shipyard will be responsible for executing the projects, involving local suppliers and stimulating the productive chain.
The resumption of orders for complex vessels strengthens Brazilian naval engineering, which has faced challenges since the slowdown in sector investments.
With this, Brazil can return to being a key player in the construction of high-tech vessels aimed at offshore operations. Additionally, the project contributes to the technical training of professionals and the development of new solutions in maritime engineering.
Petrobras Contract: Job Creation and Socioeconomic Impact
The social impact of the contracts is significant. The Boaventura Refining Project is expected to generate about 15,000 direct jobs at peak construction. Meanwhile, the construction and operation of the support vessels should create 1,500 direct and 5,400 indirect jobs, strengthening the national productive chain.
These numbers represent a concrete opportunity for economic development for the state of Rio de Janeiro and for Santa Catarina, where the shipyard responsible for the vessels is located.
The creation of skilled jobs is one of Petrobras’s strategic pillars to foster regional growth.
Sustainability and Energy Transition As Priority
Petrobras has adopted a clear strategy for energy transition, aligning its investments with the production of cleaner fuels and the modernization of its infrastructure. The Boaventura Refining Project is an example of this approach, prioritizing low-sulfur derivatives and higher efficiency.
The support vessels also reflect this vision by incorporating sustainable technologies and increasing safe operational capacity in deep waters. The adoption of hybrid systems and the use of ethanol as fuel are advances that position Petrobras as a benchmark in innovation in the oil and gas sector.
Sustainability has become not just a trend but a strategic requirement.
History Of The Boaventura Complex And Resumption Of Investments
The Boaventura Energy Complex, previously known as Comperj, had its works halted in 2015. The resumption of investments was approved by Petrobras’s board in 2023, with an estimated R$ 13 billion for completion of the works.
The reactivation of the project represents not only a technical advance but also a restoration of confidence in the state-owned company’s execution capacity. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasized at a previous event the importance of completing the venture and the losses caused by the halt.
The new phase of the complex includes integration with Reduc, the use of existing infrastructure, and a focus on energy efficiency.
Offshore Logistics And Operational Safety Strengthened
With the new vessels, Petrobras strengthens its operations in submarine activities, essential for pre-salt exploration. The RSVs will be equipped with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), increasing safety and efficiency in inspection and maintenance activities.
This investment strengthens the company’s logistical infrastructure, allowing for greater autonomy and reliability in offshore operations. Additionally, it expands the participation of the Brazilian naval industry, highlighting the Navship shipyard and its local suppliers.
Petrobras And The Future Of National Energy
The signing of contracts by Petrobras in October 2025 marks a decisive moment for the energy, logistics, and naval industry sectors in Brazil. With robust investments and a focus on sustainability, the state-owned company reaffirms its strategic role in national development.
The Boaventura Refining Project and the support vessels represent innovation, job creation, and strengthening of the Brazilian productive chain. By integrating technology, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, Petrobras takes a firm step towards the future of energy.
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