Transpetro launches tender for LPG/ammonia carriers, tripling gas tanker fleet capacity

Interested shipyards can submit bids for two separate lots. The first lot includes five pressurised gas tankers, three with a capacity of 7,000 m³ and two with 14,000 m³, designed for transporting LPG and its derivatives. The second lot involves the acquisition of three 10,000-m³ semi-refrigerated vessels, which will also be equipped to transport ammonia, a product not currently handled by Transpetro.

Bidders have 90 days to submit their proposals. According to the tender timeline, the first vessel must be delivered within 30 months of contract finalisation, with subsequent ships following every six months.

The new gas carriers will be up to 20% more fuel efficient, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, and be capable of operating in electrified ports.

Fleet renewal and expansion

Transpetro chief executive Sérgio Bacci highlighted this initiative will significantly expand the company’s gas tanker fleet, increasing the number of vessels from six to 14 and boosting transport capacity from 36,000 m³ to 108,000 m³.

“We will consolidate Transpetro as the largest Brazilian shipping company in gas transport,” he stated.

The fleet expansion aligns with the growing natural gas production in Brazil and aims to meet Petrobras’ demand for coastal and inland transport.

This tender is part of Petrobras’ fleet renewal and expansion programme, launched in July 2024, which seeks to reduce reliance on chartered vessels while enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.

The acquisition of vessels for cabotage operations along the Brazilian coast is planned, including handy-size, gas and medium-sized vessels (MR1). Sixteen vessels are already included in Petrobras’ 2025-2029 business plan.

Transpetro has also initiated studies for the launch of a new tender in early Q2 to contract four 35,000-dwt medium-sized vessels (MR1).

Tanker charter tender

Riviera previously reported Transpetro has issued a charter tender for eight dynamic positioning tankers, which will be used for offloading operations on Petrobras platforms. A spokesperson mentioned the company does not comment on ongoing tenders when asked about the timeline for the completion of this process.

Sources indicate prominent Greek shipping companies, including Navios Maritime Partners and Capital Ship Management, have expressed interest in the tender.