Petrobras looking to charter up to 18 platform suppliers

Brazilian state-owned oil and gas giant Petrobras has launched a large-scale tender to charter up to 18 platform supply vessels.

The selection process will be in line with Petrobras’ usual closed-bid model, with the lowest price as the primary selection criteria, followed by an evaluation of each vessel’s technical specifications. The deadline for proposal submissions is May 19.

The tender is for up to five general cargo PSVs, eight multipurpose or fluid carrier PSVs, two hybrid PSVs, and three multipurpose or fluid carrier PSVs on separate commencement dates. Deals for the vessels will have a duration of four years. All platform suppliers must have a deadweight of either 3,000 or 4,500 tonnes.

The first lot will start work in January 2026 or within 180 days after contract signing, while the second and third lot will begin their contracts in May 2026 or within 240 days after contract signing. The final lot is set to kick off their contracts in September 2026 or within 305 days after contract signing.

Petrobras currently has three other ongoing PSV tenders, which could bring the total to 26 new vessels contracted in the coming months.

According to Rio de Janeiro-based offshore brokerage WSB Advisors, this is the first time since 2023 that Petrobras has launched such a big tender. In 2023, the company launched tenders for 20 and 21 vessels.

Earlier this month, Splash reported that the Brazilian oil and gas player launched a tender for six platform suppliers with the application deadline set for May 6. The contract duration is 1,460 days.