Transpetro has signed new contracts to advance the modernization of its offloading fleet with the acquisition of nine high-tech, dynamically positioned Suezmax DP2 ships. These vessels will double the current offloading capacity of Petrobras' platform system from 700,000 deadweight tons (DWT) to 1.35 million DWT by 2028.

Currently, Transpetro operates seven dynamically positioned offloading vessels. With the addition of these new ships, the company's operational capacity will double, incorporating technological innovations and greater energy efficiency, aligned with the production growth of its parent company.

The acquisition of these dynamic positioning offloading ships was carried out through an international market consultation led by TIBV, Transpetro’s Dutch subsidiary, and concluded in March 2025.

The process attracted 22 competitors, with the Tsakos Group emerging as the winner. The 150,000 DWT vessels will be built at the Samsung shipyard in South Korea. The contract, valued at $2 billion for nine ships over the next 15 years, follows a bareboat charter model.

The expansion of the high-tech offloading fleet will replenish TIBV’s fleet and support Petrobras’ growing national oil production. Two of these ships will be delivered in 2027, and the remaining seven in 2028.

Transpetro has been a pioneer in providing dynamic positioning vessels for Petrobras since 2010, when it first began chartering these vessels for offshore platform offloading.

The Contracted Ships

Used for offloading oil from deepwater and ultra-deepwater platforms, the nine dynamically positioned Suezmax DP2 ships are part of a new generation of vessels, designed to ensure greater energy efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

These ships are more economical, with enhanced stability for operations in ultra-deep waters, ensuring greater efficiency and safety.

The new vessels will feature additional energy efficiency technologies, including, low-emission NOx (Tier III) engines, Bow Loading System (BLS) for improved offloading, preparation for alternative fuels such as methanol and ethanol, shore-power connectivity for electrified terminals

This technological package will enable up to a 30% reduction in pollutant emissions, complying with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations and reinforcing Transpetro’s commitment to decarbonizing its operations.

"Transpetro continues its new trajectory of expanding logistics capacity, investing in cutting-edge technology, and ensuring that the Petrobras System increases oil production sustainably and with lower emissions," says Jones Soares, Director of Maritime Transport.

Fleet Expansion

Since 2023, Transpetro has been increasing investments to consolidate its position as the largest multimodal logistics operator in Latin America.

In February 2024, the company signed the first contract under Petrobras’ Fleet Renewal and Expansion Program to acquire four Handy-class ships, which will be built by the Rio Grande (RS) and Mac Laren (RJ) shipyards in Brazil.

Also in 2025, under the same program, Transpetro launched an international public tender to acquire eight gas carriers with capacities of 7,000, 10,000, and 14,000 cubic meters, divided into two lots.

The company aims to increase its cabotage logistics capacity by 25% by 2030.

About Transpetro

Operating 48 terminals (27 maritime and 21 onshore), approximately 8,500 kilometers of pipelines, and 33 ships, Transpetro is Petrobras’ largest subsidiary and the leading multimodal logistics company for oil, petroleum products, and biofuels in Latin America.

Transpetro provides services to distributors, the petrochemical industry, and other companies in the oil and gas sector, with a portfolio of over 160 clients.