Rio Grande, Brazil | January 20, 2016 – In a landmark event held in Rio Grande (RS), Petrobras and Transpetro signed contracts under the Mar Aberto Program, marking a major step in the resumption of Brazil’s shipbuilding industry. The agreements, witnessed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, involve the construction of five gas carriers, 18 barges, and 18 pushboats, with a total investment of R$ 2.8 billion and the potential to generate over 9,000 direct and indirect jobs.
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Strategic Investment in National Shipbuilding
The contracts will see vessels built across three Brazilian states:
- Rio Grande do Sul: Rio Grande Shipyard will construct the five gas carriers.
- Amazonas: Bertolini Construção Naval da Amazônia will deliver 18 barges.
- Santa Catarina: Indústria Naval Catarinense will produce 18 pushboats.
All vessels will be operated by Transpetro, strengthening the fleet and reducing reliance on chartered ships, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in transporting LPG and other products.
President Lula attended the ceremony alongside Minister of Ports and Airports Sílvio Costa Filho, Petrobras President Magda Chambriard, and Transpetro President Sérgio Bacci.
“The Petrobras System is always ready to support Brazil’s development. These contracts prepare Petrobras for the growth of our production in the coming years and leverage the recovery of the national shipbuilding industry. When Petrobras is stronger, Brazil is stronger,” said Petrobras President Magda Chambriard.
Transpetro President Sérgio Bacci highlighted the contracts’ strategic importance:
“The renewal and expansion of the fleet allow us to support the country’s production growth with greater efficiency, reducing costs and strengthening our energy sovereignty. These contracts will generate over 9,000 jobs and revitalize shipbuilding nationwide, a true source of pride for all Brazilians.”
Gas Carriers: Boosting Capacity and Efficiency
The five gas carriers, ordered via an international bidding process, will transport LPG and derivatives, with capacities of 7,000 m³ (3 vessels) and 14,000 m³ (2 vessels), totaling an investment of R$ 2.2 billion.
Once delivered, Transpetro’s gas carrier fleet will grow from 6 to 14 vessels, tripling LPG transportation capacity along the Brazilian coast and inland waterways. The new carriers will be up to 20% more energy-efficient, cut greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, and be capable of operating in electrified ports. The first unit is expected within 33 months, followed by deliveries every six months.
Barges and Pushboats: Expanding Inland Navigation
Transpetro is also investing R$ 620.6 million in 18 barges and 18 pushboats, signaling its entry into inland navigation, covering rivers, lakes, and sheltered waters. This investment allows vertical integration of bunkering operations at key hubs like Belém (PA), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Santos (SP), Paranaguá (PR), and Rio Grande (RS), improving operational control and reducing costs.
- Bertolini Construção Naval da Amazônia (Manaus, AM) will build 18 barges, with 10 vessels of 3,000 DWT and 8 of 2,000 DWT.
- Indústria Naval Catarinense (Navegantes, SC) will construct 18 pushboats, with first deliveries 10 months after production begins.
The Mar Aberto Program: A Long-Term Vision
The Mar Aberto Program underlines Petrobras System’s commitment to renewing and expanding Brazil’s fleet. Between 2026 and 2030, the program is projected to attract US$ 6 billion in investments, covering:
- 20 coastal shipping vessels
- 18 barges and 18 pushboats
- Chartering of 40 support vessels for exploration and production (E&P) activities
This initiative not only strengthens Brazil’s maritime logistics and energy sector but also aligns with the goals of a Just Energy Transition, promoting sustainable growth in the national shipbuilding industry.
The revival of Brazilian shipyards through Mar Aberto marks a new era for industrial growth, maritime logistics, and energy sovereignty.
About Transpetro
Transpetro is the logistics and transportation subsidiary of Petrobras, responsible for the safe and efficient movement of oil, petroleum derivatives, biofuels, and natural gas across Brazil’s waterways, ports, and pipelines. Operating both coastal and inland navigation, Transpetro manages a modern fleet of tankers, barges, and pushboats, while driving innovation and sustainability in maritime logistics.
Committed to energy security, operational excellence, and national development, the company plays a central role in supporting Brazil’s energy supply chain and revitalizing the domestic shipbuilding industry.
About Petrobras
Petrobras, officially known as Petróleo Brasileiro S.A., stands as Brazil’s largest energy corporation and one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies by market capitalization. With operations spanning across exploration, production, refining, and distribution, Petrobras plays a pivotal role in Brazil’s economy and global energy markets.
The company has a proven track record in technological innovation and sustainable practices, exemplified by its pioneering efforts in deep-water oil exploration and commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Petrobras continues to lead the way in advancing Brazil’s energy independence and promoting environmental stewardship in the energy sector.
Source: Petrobras