PDVSA takes over local shipyard

Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA), the state energy company, took over the government-owned shipbuilder Diques y Astilleros Nacionales CA as part of a plan for Venezuela to build its own oil tankers and offshore rigs.

The shipbuilder, which was previously under control of Venezuela’s defense ministry, was transferred to the oil company through a resolution published in the Official Gazette, the formal record of government actions. PDVSA wants to expand its fleet and, although it is having two ships built in Argentina, it has previously indicated a desire to build its vessels locally. Local reports claim that Iran will help the Venezuelan shipyard to build the oil tankers.