Petrobras inks offshore newbuilds

Brazil’s Petrobras has contracted the construction of 13 offshore service vessels but has left deals for another 11 unsigned. The newbuildings are part of the group’s ambitious plans to contract up to 146 offshore vessels by 2014.

According to Sergio Leal, secretary general of Sinaval, Brazil’s shipbuilding syndicate, the Brazilian group Companhia Brasileira de Offshore has been awarded four anchor handling tug supply vessels, which will be built at its Alian?a shipyard in Niteroi.

Bram Offshore, the Brazilian subsidiary of Louisiana-based Edison Chouest Offshore will build two platform supply vessels at its Naviship yard in Itajai while Wilson, Sons will build another two PSVs at its yard in Guaruja. A further three PSVs were awarded to Astro Maritima, which has yet to decide where to construct the vessels and Sao Miguel will build two oil spill response vessels in Barra de S?o Miguel.

Petrobras has agreed to contract the vessels on seven-year charters with an option to extend the contract.