Petrobras to Triple LPG Fleet Capacity and Support Brazilian Shipbuilding
Transpetro Unveils Ambitious Fleet Expansion Plans
Transpetro, the shipping division of Brazil’s Petrobras, has announced significant growth initiatives for its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fleet and its entry into ammonia transport. This announcement was made during the Brazilian Naval and Offshore Industry Business Fair, attended by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and other key government officials, underscoring the administration’s commitment to bolstering the maritime and shipbuilding sectors. The initiatives aim to enhance job creation and increase Brazilian industry participation in these vital areas.
Fleet Expansion and New Tender Launch
During the event, Transpetro’s CEO, Sérgio Bacci, outlined plans to position the company as Brazil’s leading shipowner in gas transportation. The strategy includes expanding the gas tanker fleet from six to 14 vessels, significantly increasing transport capacity from 36,000 to 108,000 cubic meters. To facilitate this expansion, Transpetro has launched a tender for eight new gas carriers, divided into two separate tenders. The first tender seeks five vessels, comprising three with a capacity of 7,000 cubic meters and two with a capacity of 14,000 cubic meters. These pressurized carriers will transport LPG and its derivatives. The second tender is for three semi-refrigerated vessels, each with a capacity of 10,000 cubic meters, marking Transpetro’s first foray into ammonia transport.
The new vessels are designed to be 20% more fuel-efficient, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30%. They will also be equipped to operate in electrified ports, aligning with global sustainability goals. Companies interested in bidding have 90 days to submit proposals, but they can only win one of the two tenders. The first vessel is expected to be delivered within 30 months of contract finalization, with subsequent deliveries scheduled at six-month intervals.
Commitment to Local Industry and Sustainability
This initiative is part of Petrobras’s broader newbuilding program, which commenced in July 2024. Earlier this year, the company contracted four new handy-class tankers and, by the end of last year, secured contracts for 12 new support vessels to enhance offshore operations. Petrobras plans to add 20 new vessels, including 10 for emergency support and response, eight for inspections, and two for platform anchoring. Notably, Petrobras is requiring 40% local content in the construction of offshore support vessels to ensure the involvement of Brazilian companies.
Petrobras has announced plans to decommission 10 platforms by 2029, exploring options for reusing these units to reduce logistics costs and promote sustainable practices. The new vessels are part of a larger strategy to integrate 25 ships into the fleet between 2025 and 2029, with 16 already contracted. Currently, Transpetro operates six gas carriers, 16 crude oil tankers, five product tankers, and nine shuttle tankers, solidifying its position as the largest multimodal logistics company for oil, derivatives, and biofuels in Latin America.
