Agência Petrobras – July 08, 2024
The first bidding process for the renewal and expansion of the fleet will be for the acquisition of four Handy class ships, which are expected to be more environmentally sustainable.
Petrobras has resumed contracting its own vessels with the launch, on Friday, July 5, of an international public tender by Transpetro for the acquisition of four Handy class ships, with a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 15,000 to 18,000 tons. These orders are part of Transpetro’s TP 25 program, aimed at renewing and expanding Petrobras System’s fleet, and could create new opportunities for the Brazilian shipbuilding industry. Sixteen coastal shipping vessels that will be part of this program are already included in the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. Aiming to meet transportation demands, these ships include solutions that ensure greater energy efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
“This Transpetro program will increase our logistics capacity for oil and derivatives. We will be less exposed to freight fluctuations and reduce costs with vessel charters. This is a milestone marking the beginning of contracts that will strengthen the national naval and offshore industry,” said Petrobras president, Magda Chambriard.
For Transpetro president, Sérgio Bacci, the launch of the tender marks the strengthening of the company in a sector of great importance to the Petrobras System and the entire country. “With these vessels, we are starting the Fleet Renewal and Expansion Program, incorporating units considered strategic for cabotage logistics operations. We already have 16 vessels planned, including gas carriers and medium-sized ships, with others under study,” says Bacci.
The tender is published on the Petronect portal and is in the form of an open international tender, allowing participation from all shipyards that meet the technical and economic criteria specified. Interested companies have 90 days to submit their proposals. The winning shipyard is expected to be announced and the contract signed by December this year.
According to the competition schedule, the launch of the first Handy ship is estimated for the first half of 2026. The remaining ships will be delivered successively every six months until mid-2028.
More modern and sustainable ships
The ship tender process includes technical specifications that ensure the incorporation of a package of more efficient equipment, with the possibility of using alternative fuels. As a result, the vessels will be more sustainable, reducing the carbon footprint, in compliance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations.
Transpetro has been investing for several years to reduce the carbon footprint of its fleet. In 2023, the company reduced emissions from the ships it operates by more than 8%.
The fleet expansion also aims to increase Petrobras’ service capacity, reducing its exposure to chartering such units, which have low liquidity in the market.
Transpetro’s TP 25 Program
Transpetro’s TP 25 Program plans to acquire coastal shipping vessels along the Brazilian coast, including gas carriers and medium-sized ships, as well as the Handies from this first tender.
Petrobras’ 2024-2028 Strategic Plan already includes 16 of these ships. TP 25 is based on Petrobras’ demand and prioritizes acquiring ships with low market liquidity.
The program was based on technical and governance analyses, coupled with the company’s technical expertise. The tender process is robust and includes mechanisms to ensure very competitive conditions for the bidders and, most importantly, the best price.
Governance procedures for approving the next batch of ships in the program have already begun, with the next tenders expected to be published between the end of the second half of this year and 2025.
About Transpetro
Operating 48 terminals (27 waterway and 21 land), approximately 8,500 kilometers of pipelines, and 33 ships, Transpetro is Petrobras’ largest subsidiary. The company is the largest multimodal logistics company for oil and derivatives in Latin America.
Transpetro provides services to distributors, the petrochemical industry, and other oil and gas sector companies. Petrobras’ subsidiary has a portfolio of over 160 clients.
Source: Agencia Petrobras / BR8
