DOF Secures Major Contracts with Petrobras in Brazil
Norwegian offshore vessel operator DOF has successfully secured three substantial service contracts with Petrobras, along with several short-term vessel agreements. These contracts, awarded through a competitive tender process, are part of Petrobras’ subsea inspection program and represent DOF’s third consecutive win in Brazil, highlighting the company’s expertise in this field.
Significant Contracts and Operations
The newly awarded contracts, valued at approximately $390 million, encompass over 4,000 planned subsea inspections across Brazil’s main offshore basins: Santos, Campos, and Espirito Santo. DOF plans to deploy at least three vessels, equipped with advanced work-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Notably, one of these vessels will be specially outfitted for shallow air diving inspections, ensuring comprehensive coverage of Petrobras’ requirements.
Operations under these contracts are expected to commence in the first half of 2026 and will span three years. This achievement underscores DOF’s extensive experience in conducting subsea inspections, having completed more than 7,000 inspections during previous contracts in the region. The company continues to strengthen its presence in Brazil’s offshore sector, demonstrating its capability to manage large-scale projects effectively.
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Short-Term Vessel Engagements and Additional Developments
In addition to the long-term contracts, DOF has also secured three short-term vessel deals with an undisclosed major oil company operating in Brazil. The vessels involved include the Skandi Salvador and Geoholm, which will operate in the Espirito Santo and Santos basins. The Geoholm is scheduled to assist with mooring operations using an ROV over a two-week period, while the Skandi Salvador will engage in subsea equipment retrieval on a 10-day work charter starting in late September.
Moreover, the Skandi Salvador will also support a well intervention operation with the use of a work-class ROV and a subsea crane, with work anticipated to start in early November 2025 on a 60-day charter. The total value of the short-term contracts is described as limited, defined by DOF as worth less than $15 million.
In a separate development, DOF’s Danish branch has agreed to sell the 2002-built anchor-handling tug supply vessel, Skandi Handler, to an undisclosed buyer, with delivery scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025. Financial details regarding this sale have not been disclosed.
