Petrobras signed eight contracts totaling R$ 11 billion for the construction, chartering and services of four subsea support vessels intended for operations in deep and ultra-deep waters. The initiative is expected to generate around 7,000 direct and indirect jobs throughout the construction and operation phases.
The agreement was signed with DOF Subsea Serviços LTDA and provides for the construction of the units at the Navship shipyard in Navegantes, Santa Catarina. The signing event took place this Thursday (14th).
The initiative is part of the Open Sea Program, which aims at the renewal and expansion of the Petrobras System fleet. The vessels will be RSV type (ROV Support Vessel), specialized in subsea inspection, maintenance and repair activities, considered strategic for the continuity of the state company's offshore operations.
The contracts are part of the policy to strengthen the Brazilian shipbuilding industry. The forecast is to achieve up to 80% local content in the ship construction stage and around 90% during vessel operation.
"Petrobras' current management has expanded the number of suppliers through the simplification of specifications, increasing competitiveness and boosting the shipbuilding market, with a larger volume of qualified proposals. This movement is part of a new approach by the company, with greater engagement and active listening to the supplier market," emphasized Flavio Bretanha, Petrobras' executive manager of Subsea Systems.
Hybrid Propulsion
The new units will be equipped with hybrid propulsion systems, combining batteries, electric motors and lower environmental impact fuels. These are modern vessels, designed to reduce emissions. The technology will allow greater energy efficiency, reduction in fuel consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the company's decarbonization targets.
"We are investing in technological vessels, with reduced carbon emissions, building new ships in Brazil, which benefits the creation of direct and indirect jobs. With this partnership we are keeping, alongside Petrobras, the shipbuilding industry increasingly thriving," said DOF's CEO, Mario Fuzetti.
Alexandre Gomes Alves, Petrobras' executive manager of Supply, stated that the project helps reduce dependence on the international market. "This partnership demonstrates once again the union between Petrobras and the local supplier market. Petrobras believes in and strengthens the local market, showing that we are on the right path," he concluded.
