Transpetro, the logistics arm of Petrobras, has recently begun the construction of 13 new vessels to expand its fleet. This project, located at Estaleiro Rio Grande in Brazil, started with the order of four Handymax tankers, and the total contract value is $278 million, equivalent to $69.5 million per vessel.
Order Details and Key Dates
The keel-laying ceremony for the first tanker was held last week, following the steel cutting ceremony for the first hull in April. These steps are considered significant advancements in Transpetro's development strategy. The company plans to invest over $6 billion between 2026 and 2030, aiming to increase its logistical capacity by 83% with this initiative. Transpetro has ordered 20 cabotage vessels, 18 barges, and 18 tugboats, and also plans to charter 40 support vessels for oil and gas exploration and production activities.
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Economic Impact and Job Creation
So far, Transpetro has secured over 50 vessel orders with local shipyards. This project has contributed to the revival of the shipbuilding industry in Brazil, benefiting workshops such as Detroit Shipyard in Santa Catarina and Bertolini Amazônia Shipyard in Manaus.
The Rio Grande Shipyard has greatly benefited from this order of 13 vessels. These vessels include four Handymax tankers with a capacity of 16,000 tons, five gas carriers, and four MR1 tankers with a capacity of 40,000 tons. The CEO of Ecovix, Robson Passos, stated that these orders represent a resumption of shipbuilding activities in Brazil and have also helped revive the Rio Grande shipyard as a major employer in southern Brazil. This project is expected to create 5,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Since July, this shipyard has imported 11,000 tons of steel from Indonesia to fulfill the orders. Interestingly, the various classes of vessels ordered by Transpetro align with the company's strategic shift. The expanded fleet will allow Transpetro to provide services to private sector clients, which previously only offered maritime transport services to Petrobras.
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