Ecovix signs contract to build four MR1 tankers for Transpetro

Brazilian shipbuilder Ecovix signed a contract with Transpetro on Wednesday (17) to build four medium-range MR1 tankers. The vessels, each with 40,000 tonnes of deadweight capacity, will be used to transport oil and refined products along the Brazilian coast.

The US$427.5 million contract is part of the Mar Aberto program, which is aimed at renewing and expanding the Petrobras system’s fleet. The agreement clears the way for the next steps in the execution schedule.

Together with contracts already signed for four Handymax vessels and five gas carriers in 2024 and 2025, the new deal brings Ecovix’s orderbook with the state-controlled group to 13 vessels to be built over the coming years.

“This consolidates an intense effort we have been carrying out with planning, technical capacity and a commitment to the country’s development. The recovery of the naval hub is becoming increasingly solid,” said Ecovix CEO Robson Passos.

The MR1 tankers will be about 175 meters long and able to carry products such as diesel, gasoline and fuel oil. The vessels will incorporate advanced technologies expected to deliver fuel-efficiency gains of up to 20% and cut greenhouse gas emissions by around 30%. In the future, they may also be able to operate with biofuels such as ethanol.

In April, the Rio Grande Shipyard began processing hull steel for the Handymax vessels. Around 11,000 tonnes of steel and more than 50% of the required equipment have already been purchased and are gradually arriving in Rio Grande.

The shipbuilding program is expected to generate 5,000 direct and indirect jobs over the coming years as work advances on the different vessels.

Source: Ecovix

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