Transpetro signed a contract with the Rio Grande shipyard for the construction of four MR1 medium-range vessels intended for the transport of oil and derivatives along the Brazilian coast. The investment amounts to US$427 million and is part of the Mar Aberto Program, an initiative launched to expand and modernize the fleet linked to Petrobras’ operations.
The award was made through an international public tender launched at the end of 2025 and represents a new advance in the strategy to strengthen the country’s maritime logistics capacity.
New vessels will strengthen Petrobras’ logistics
Each vessel will have a gross tonnage of 40,000 tons and will be approximately 175 meters long and 30 meters wide. Its main function will be to transport products such as diesel, gasoline, and fuel oil between terminals located along the Brazilian coast.
Additionally, Transpetro expects to receive the first unit within 33 months after the contract comes into force, once the corresponding documentary procedures are completed.
According to Sérgio Bacci, president of Transpetro, the incorporation of these vessels will increase the company’s logistical capacity to meet the growth of Petrobras’ production and refining activities.
The Mar Aberto Program accelerates fleet renewal
The construction of the four MR1s is part of a broader plan that includes the incorporation of 16 coastal vessels, 18 barges, and 18 tugboats.
With the contracts signed so far, the program already totals orders for 52 vessels. The initiative contemplates estimated investments of US$6 billion between 2026 and 2030 and seeks to strengthen the Brazilian shipbuilding industry by prioritizing local construction.
Likewise, the fleet expansion will reduce dependence on chartered vessels and optimize operational costs associated with the maritime transport of hydrocarbons.
Technology focused on efficiency and sustainability
The new MR1 vessels will incorporate technologies aimed at improving environmental and operational performance. Planned innovations include 3D digital engineering systems, telemetry, and telemedicine to reinforce monitoring and safety during operations.
According to project estimates, the vessels could achieve up to a 20% improvement in fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 30% compared to conventional designs.
In addition, they will be prepared to use biofuels such as ethanol and operate in electrified ports through connection to the onshore grid. Their hulls will also incorporate special high-performance coatings designed to reduce friction and improve energy efficiency.
Boost for the Brazilian shipbuilding industry
The signing of the contract represents a new opportunity for Brazil’s maritime supply chain and reinforces the strategy for the recovery of national shipbuilding.
With a current fleet of 32 vessels and operations that include 46 terminals and nearly 8,500 kilometers of pipelines, Transpetro continues to expand its infrastructure to meet the transportation needs of oil, derivatives, and biofuels in the Brazilian market.
Source: https://transpetro.com.br/
Photo: Shutterstock
