Tanker Operator Transpetro's Fleet Expansion Creates Local Jobs in Brazil

Ecovix shipyard — File image courtesy Grupo Ecovix

Brazil's Estaleiro Rio Grande has formally begun construction on a 13-vessel order placed by Transpetro, the logistics arm of Petrobras. Last week, the Ecovix-operated yard laid the keel of the first of four Handymax tankers ordered by Transpetro in February 2025. The deal was valued at $278 million, equivalent to $69.5 million per vessel.

The keel-laying ceremony followed a steel-cutting event for the first hull in April. These events are seen as notable progress in Transpetro's expansion strategy. Through its Mar Aberto (Open Sea) program, Transpetro wants to invest over $6 billion between 2026 and 2030. Under the initiative, Transpetro aims to grow its logistical capacity by 83%, placing orders for 20 cabotage vessels, 18 barges and 18 towboats. In addition, the company plans to charter 40 support vessels for oil and gas exploration and production activities.

So far, Transpetro has secured more than 50 vessel orders, mainly with local yards. Petrobras has tied its expansion drive to the revitalization of the Brazilian shipbuilding industry. Yards benefiting from the construction boom include Detroit Shipyard in Itajaí, Santa Catarina State, and Bertolini Amazônia Shipyard in Manaus.

Rio Grande Shipyard has benefited greatly from its 13-vessel order. The vessels fall into three groups: four 16,000-ton Handymax tankers, five gas carriers and four MR1-class product tankers of 40,000 gross tonnes.

Commenting on the orders, Ecovix CEO Robson Passos said they represent a resumption of shipbuilding activity in Brazil. The orders have also revived the Rio Grande yard as a major maritime employer in southern Brazil. Ecovix estimates that 5,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created. As of July, the yard had also imported 11,000 tons of steel from Indonesia to service the orders.

Notably, the different classes of vessels that Transpetro has ordered align with the company's strategic reset. An expanded fleet means the company is able to serve private-sector clients. Transpetro previously provided sea transportation exclusively to its parent company, Petrobras. Starting this year, Transpetro has signed shipping deals with private-sector players including Trafigura and Brazilian fuel distributor Ipiranga.