Transpetro launches 2nd phase of tanker order

The shipping arm of Brazil’s state oil company Petrobras launched an expanded second phase of its tanker order with planned tenders for 23 vessels, including four Suezmax and three Aframax carriers. The order prospectus for Brazil-based shipyards will be published in the coming weeks, Petrobras unit Transpetro said. The ships will be ordered for delivery by 2015.

The first stage of the fleet renovation program started in 2005 and contracts for the construction of 22 out of 26 first-phase vessels have been signed. Initially, the second phase envisaged another 16 vessels, but the number was raised to meet company needs.

Transpetro seeks to renew its fleet of 54 oil and products carriers, which on average are 17 years old, and fulfill an IMO resolution on global substitution of older tankers with safer double-hulled carriers.

The Transpetro announcement coincided with the official launch of a plan by its parent Petrobras to contract 146 service ships through 2014, some of which will be leased and others bought. Supply ships account for almost half of the order, which also includes ships used in platform anchoring, tugs and oil spill vessels. Petrobras has already opened a tender for 24 service ships, part of the bigger 146-boat order.

It has also announced plans to contract 40 drilling ships and platforms to operate in deep and ultra-deep waters by 2017. The priority will be to build the units in Brazil. Separately, Petrobras is planning to order two Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) supertankers, each capable of transporting 300,000 tonnes, but did give any idea about the timing.