Petrobras, Transpetro order 18 bunker barges

Brazil’s state-owned bunker supplier Petrobras, together with its logistics subsidiary Transpetro, has awarded multiple shipbuilding contracts under a fleet expansion programme that includes new bunker barges.

IMAGE: Petrobras, Transpetro’s bunker barge concept. Petrobras

As part of the programme, Manaus-based Bertolini Construção Naval da Amazônia shipyard has been contracted to build 18 barges. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery three months after construction begins, although the start date has not been disclosed.

Once delivered, these bunker barges will enable Transpetro to supply VLSFO and MGO at key Brazilian ports, including Belém, Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Paranaguá, and Rio Grande.

The programme also covers the construction of 18 pushboats at the Navegantes-based Indústria Naval Catarinense shipyard. In addition, the Rio Grande Shipyard has secured contracts to build five gas carriers for transporting LPG and related products—three vessels with a capacity of 7,000 cbm and two with 14,000 cbm.

The contracts were formalised at a signing ceremony attended by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

By Tuhin Roy

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