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Transpetro seeks release from shipyards involved in Lava Jato with CGU and TCU

Written by Paulo Nogueira
Published 08/05/2023 às 11:11

Bacci is convinced that Brazilian shipyards already have the competence to resume shipbuilding, despite the need for investments in updating and training the workforce.

The new president of Transpetro, Sérgio Bacci, recently discussed in Brasilia with the Federal Audit Court (TCU) and the Federal Comptroller General (CGU) the possibility of shipyards involved in Operation Lava Jato returning to the tenders of the Petrobras subsidiary. Bacci believes that the changes in the country in recent years have contributed to the construction of solid governance, in order to avoid future problems in hiring.

Among the shipyards in question are EAS, Enseada, Sinergy, Ecovix, QGI, Vard Promar, Mauá, Jurong and Keppel. The CGU has shown willingness to find solutions that allow these shipyards to return to shipbuilding. Bacci believes that national shipyards already have the capacity to resume construction, although investments are needed to modernize and train the workforce.

Green fleet and funding by the Merchant Marine Fund

Transpetro seeks to build a “green fleet” of ships with technologies that reduce carbon emissions. The idea is for the new projects to be financed by the Merchant Marine Fund (FMM), with the participation of the BNDES in the discussions of the working group. The proposal follows the guidelines presented by the BNDES in a hearing at the Chamber of Deputies, which addressed the use of environmental criteria to finance oil and gas vessels.

Bacci rules out the possibility of resuming the former Transpetro Fleet Modernization and Expansion Program (Promef), but emphasizes the importance of continuity in shipbuilding projects. The expectation is that shipbuilding will be included in the program of priority infrastructure works announced by the government.

Local content and customer diversification

The president of Transpetro confirmed that the increase in national contracting obligations will be on the government's agenda. The matter should be dealt with within the scope of the National Energy Policy Council (CNPE), with the possible adoption of different minimum indices for each type of ship and gradual increase in national contracting requirements over the years.

Transpetro is responsible for handling oil and derivatives and has 26 own ships in operation, with an average age of eight years. Although Petrobras remains the main client, Bacci sees the increase in the fleet as an opportunity to make vessels available to third parties. “We have several operators in Brazil that need ships,” he said.

In addition, Bacci highlighted the importance of building relief vessels under the national flag, in order to avoid geopolitical problems in oil unloading. With the prospect of privatization discarded, the

Transpetro plans to launch new tenders for hiring employees later this year. The intention is also to increase diversity in the company and increase the number of women in management positions.

New investments and workforce training

The president of Transpetro recognizes that new investments will be necessary to modernize the industrial plants and train the workforce in the naval sector. “I am confident that we will have projects in several states,” he said. These investments are essential to ensure the competitiveness of national shipyards and the resumption of shipbuilding in the country.

Training the workforce involves not only technical training, but also raising awareness about the importance of sustainability and commitment to the environment. With the creation of the green fleet, Transpetro hopes to become a reference in the oil and gas sector, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and the advancement of sustainable practices.

Challenges and future prospects

Although national shipyards face significant challenges in resuming shipbuilding, Transpetro, together with TCU, CGU and the federal government, is seeking viable solutions to overcome adversities and allow these shipyards to participate in bids again. The resumption of shipbuilding in Brazil is essential to boost the economy and generate qualified jobs in the country.

Ongoing discussions with TCU, CGU and CNPE on national contracting, financing and local content show the commitment of the authorities and Transpetro to revitalize the Brazilian shipbuilding industry. The creation of a green fleet and the commitment to sustainability, together with the modernization of shipyards and training of the workforce, are measures that can guarantee a promising future for the sector in the country.

With the resumption of shipbuilding and the diversification of customers, Transpetro expects to strengthen its position in the market and contribute to the sustainable growth of the Brazilian shipbuilding industry. By facing challenges and seeking innovative solutions, the company demonstrates its commitment to the development of the sector and the preservation of the environment, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future for Brazil.

Paulo Nogueira

With a technical background, I worked in the offshore oil and gas market for a few years. Today, my team and I are dedicated to bringing information from the Brazilian energy sector and the world, always with credible and up-to-date sources.

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