Transpetro extended to June 23 the deadline for submittal of bids for the international public tender for acquisition of eight gas tankers with 7 thousand, 10 thousand, and 14 thousand cubic meter capacity. The schedule change, approved on Monday (12th), meets the requests from companies on the Petronect portal, the electronic procurement platform of the Petrobras system where the bid invitation was published in mid-February. 

The original date for receipt of the bids for the tender process was scheduled for 19 May. The other schedules divulged upon the launch of the bid invitation remain unchanged.   

Acquisition of the new gas tankers is part of the Fleet Renewal and Expansion Program of the Petrobras System. The current contracting process constitutes the second tender by  Transpetro. 

The tender for acquisition of the eight gas tankers includes two separate lots, which may not be won by the same shipyard or consortium. The new vessels will be destined for LPG transportation.

Lot A of the tender calls for the acquisition of three  ships with 10 thousand cubic meter capacity, semi-refrigerated type. These vessels may also carry ammonia, allowing for Transpetro to participate in the market for transporting this type of product and expanding the service portfolio of the company.
On the other hand lot B pertains to five pressurized type ships, three with 7 thousand cubic meter capacity and two ships with 14 thousand cubic capacity. 

The contracting process for the gas tankers allows for participation by all shipyards that meet the technical and economic criteria stipulated in the bid invitation. 

With the new contract, Transpetro’s gas tanker fleet will be expanded from 6 to 14 vessels, which will increase total transportation capacity from 36 thousand cubic meters to up to 115 thousand cubic meters.

The future gas tankers will result in a reduction of up to 30% in greenhouse gas emissions. The new vessels will also be up to 20% more efficient regarding fuel consumption and in the future will have the capability to operate in electrified ports.

Fleet Renewal and Expansion Program

Launched in July 2024, the Fleet Renewal and Expansion Program of the Petrobras system seeks to reduce the exposure of the holding to charters and provide greater flexibility and efficiency for cargo handling logistics operations .

The program calls for the acquisition of ships for cabotage on the Brazilian coast, including Handy Class vessels, gas tankers and medium sized (MR1) ships, which will compose the Transpetro fleet.

The first Transpetro contract within the program was formalized in February, with acquisition of four Handy Class ships  with the shipyard consortium  Rio Grande (RS)/ Mac Laren (RJ). 

Transpetro intends to launch by year end a new tender for acquisition of medium sized ships.
The Petrobras and Transpetro Initiative is part of the New Growth Acceleration Program (New PAC).