Seagems edges closer to $1.8bn Petrobras deal with mystery vessel bid
Joint venture secures exclusive access to a third-party pipelay support vessel in Petrobras’ latest tender.
Seagems, the joint venture between Paratus Energy and Vantris Energy, has advanced in Petrobras’ latest tender for pipelay support vessels (PLSVs) after the Brazilian state-owned company accepted its bid for an unnamed third-party vessel. The development could allow the contractor to expand its current fleet of six vessels operating in Brazil.
Petrobras released partial results from the tender, confirming the acceptance of Seagems’ proposal. However, the final award remains conditional on the signing of definitive agreements and a formal contract. Seagems has already secured exclusive access to the vessel through a memorandum of understanding, which also includes an option to purchase the asset.
Tender details and fleet expansion: Seagems
The tender, launched earlier this year, consists of five lots with distinct technical specifications, all offering four-year charter periods starting in 2028. Seagems submitted bids for two vessels: the Jade and the third-party vessel now under consideration.
Seagems’ existing fleet is already heavily committed to Petrobras, with all six of its PLSVs under three-year contracts worth a combined $1.8 billion, secured in 2024. The joint venture reported a backlog of approximately $1.1 billion at the end of the second quarter, reflecting its strong position in Brazil’s offshore sector.
Strategic shift and next steps
The latest development follows Paratus Energy’s decision to focus exclusively on PLSV operations after selling its Mexican jackup business in July. This move reinforced its commitment to Brazil’s offshore market.
While the acceptance of Seagems’ bid is a key milestone, the final contract award is still pending. If completed, the deal would allow the joint venture to potentially add a seventh vessel to its fleet, further strengthening its long-term partnership with Petrobras.
Sign up free to ask CAMAL AI for a summary, the key points or anything else about this story.
Related stories
CAMAL AI
Financial Ports Newsletter
The maritime economy, every morning
Ports, shipping and freight markets in one short email. Free.
