Brazilian oil major aims for fleet expansion

Brazilian oil company, Petrobras, has announced its attention to expand its fleet as it attempts to keep pace with offshore oil discoveries and planned production over the next decade.

Eduardo Autran, Executive Manager of Supply and Logistics, Petrobras, attended the Royal Institution of Naval Architect’s annual Presidents Invitation Lecture in London last week, where he announced the company’s intention to add a further 146 ships to its fleet by the end of 2017.

Mr Autran, whilst highlighting the company’s determination to increase local content in the expansion plan, also emphasised the importance of local shipyards and the offshore industry engaging with international maritime service providers to provide the technical support for meeting the ambitious targets.

The Brazilian shipbuilding industry is currently on a growth trajectory, with 47 yards in operation and a further 11 yards under construction. In addition to 6.8m dwt of vessels on order, Brazil’s offshore construction industry is scheduled to build 19 offshore oil platforms and a further 21 deepsea rigs.

Several maritime service providers from Europe, including marine power and propulsion specialists, have recently signed cooperation and supply contracts with Brazilian shipyards. Wärtsilä has signed several service contracts as well as Dutch company, Damen Shipyards, and Finnish propulsion specialist, Steerprop.