Transpetro has signed new contracts to further modernization of its shuttle tanker fleet with the ordering of nine Suezmax DP2 Class advanced technology dynamic positioning ships. The vessels will double the current offloading capacity from the Petrobras System platforms from 700 thousand DWT to 1.35 million DWT by 2028. 

Currently Transpetro operates seven dynamic positioning shuttle tankers and will double its operational capacity with these new vessels, equipped with technological innovations and better energy efficiency, adequate for the increase in production by its holding company. 

The ordering of new dynamic positioning shuttle tankers was conducted via international bid held by TIBV, Dutch subsidiary of Transpetro, and concluded in March 2025.

The bid had 22 participants and the Tsakos Group was the winner. The vessels, with 150 thousand DWT each, will be built at the Samsung shipyard in South Korea. The contract is valued at US$ 2 billion for the nine ships during the next 15 years and follows the bareboat charter model. 

The expansion of the advanced technology shuttle tanker fleet will recompose the TIBV fleet and follow the growth of the domestic oil production planned by Petrobras. Two of these shuttle tankers will be delivered in 2027, and the other seven in 2028. 

Transpetro is a pioneer in providing dynamic positioning ship solutions for Petrobras since 2010, when it began charters of this type of vessel for platform offloading. 

The ships ordered

Used for offloading from oil producing platforms in deep and ultradeep waters, the nine dynamic positioning Suezmax DP2 Class ships are part of a new generation of vessels that ensure greater energy efficiency and less greenhouse gas emissions. 

The vessels are more economical and provide additional stability for ultradeep water output, ensuring greater efficiency during the operation and enhancing safety.

The new vessels will be equipped with new energy efficiency elements, such as low emission NOx (Tier III) engines, stern loading (BLS) system, preparation for alternative fuels such as methanol and ethanol, and shore-power connection in electrified terminals. 

This technological package will allow for a reduction of up to 30% in polluting gas emissions, meeting the determinations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and reinforcing Transpetro’s commitment to decarbonization of its operations.

“Transpetro follows its logistics capacity expansion trajectory, investing in leading edge technology and ensuring that the Petrobras System will expand its oil production in sustainable manner and with less emissions”, states Maritime Transport Director Jones Soares.  

Fleet expansion

Since 2023, Transpetro has expanded investments to consolidate its status as the largest multimodal logistics operator in Latin America. 

In February of this year the company signed the first contract of the Fleet Renewal and Expansion Program of the Petrobras System for acquisition of four Handy Class ships, which will be built by the Rio Grande (RS) and Mac Laren (RJ) shipyard consortium.

Also in 2025, within the scope of this same program, Transpetro launched an international tender for the acquisition of eight gas tankers with capacity for 7 thousand, 10 thousand and 14 thousand cubic meters in two lots.

The company intends to expand its cabotage logistics capacity in 25% by 2030.