Transpetro to support construction of 25 ‘Brazil-made’ vessels in Jan 2024

Transpetro plans to launch a bidding process in January 2024 for the construction of 25 vessels in Brazil to expand its own fleet. The announcement was made by the company’s president, Sérgio Bacci, at the opening of Navalshore 2023, which took place at ExpoMag in Rio de Janeiro. These newbuilds will primarily serve the Petrobras holding, helping to reduce its chartering costs and to strengthen Transpetro’s role in the revitalization of the Brazilian shipbuilding industry.

“To make the industry stronger, a long-term state policy is necessary, including accessible credit lines, appropriate rules for local content, and perennial public and private orders. We are developing the TP 25 program in collaboration with Petrobras, which envisions the construction of at least 25 vessels for coastal navigation, thereby supporting the generation of medium and long-term orders in Brazil,” he said, alongside Dino Batista, the Director of Navigation and Waterways at the Ministry of Ports and Airports.

Another important role for Transpetro in this scenario is participating in discussions to develop a new local content policy that meets the projects included in the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC). According to Bacci, the federal government has established the Interministerial Commission for Innovation and Acquisitions, and the company will propose suggestions that cater to the naval and offshore sectors.

The provision of credit lines, the requalification of the workforce to meet the orders that will reach the shipyards, and understanding how the energy transition will take place are the necessary foundations for this long-awaited recovery.

Internationalization and Business Expansion

The pursuit of new international businesses was a key topic. Transpetro intends to leverage its logistics expertise and explore potential partnerships. With this purpose, the company is currently negotiating the signing of its first international memorandum of understanding with Suriname’s National Energy, Oil and Gas Company (Staatsolie), the state-owned company of Suriname, to assess business opportunities.

Bacci emphasized at the event that the company can play a significant role in supporting developing countries in logistics. “We will seek new customers in Brazil or abroad. We are in discussions with representatives from Argentina and Guyana, among other countries. We already have private clients for Ship to Ship and Barge to Ship operations,” he explained.

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