Petrobras has contracted DOF Subsea to construct and operate four offshore support vessels for US$2.14 billion (R$11 billion), a move expected to generate roughly 7,000 direct and indirect jobs and strengthen Brazil’s shipbuilding industry, according to a company statement published May 15.
The agreement covers subsea inspection, maintenance, and repair vessels to be deployed in deepwater and ultra-deepwater operations under Petrobras’ Open Sea Program, which is aimed at renewing and expanding its offshore fleet.
“The agreement was signed with DOF Subsea Serviços LTDA and provides for the construction of the units at the Navship shipyard in Navegantes, Santa Catarina…The contracts also reinforce the policy of strengthening Brazil’s shipbuilding industry. The expectation is to achieve up to 80% local content during the vessel construction stage and around 90% during vessel operations,” the company said.
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The vessels will feature hybrid propulsion systems combining batteries, electric motors and lower-emission fuels, which Petrobras said will improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“We are investing in technological vessels with reduced carbon emissions, building new ships in Brazil, which benefits the creation of direct and indirect jobs. With this partnership, alongside Petrobras, we are keeping the shipbuilding industry increasingly active,” said DOF CEO Mario Fuzetti.
Petrobras explained that the investment aligns with its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes expanding offshore capacity and strengthening the domestic supply chain.
“Petrobras’ current management has expanded the number of suppliers through the simplification of specifications, increasing competitiveness and heating up the shipbuilding market, with a greater volume of qualified proposals. This movement is part of a new company approach focused on closer engagement and active listening to the supplier market. This approach has contributed to more competitive, efficient projects aligned with the reality of the sector,” Petrobras Executive Manager for Subsea Systems, Flavio Bretanha said.
The announcement came days after Petrobras reported multiple production and refining milestones for the first quarter of 2026, supported by output from its pre-salt fields and high refinery utilization rates.
