Alexandre Vilela
CEO · Westhon
Opinion and market reading from the Westhon desk. Tenders, fleets, shipyards and the decisions that reshape offshore Brazil.
Reports · 106 articles
Special WSB: Que fim levou? Consolidation without repricing
By Alexandre Vilela Consolidation Without RepricingOceanPact–CBO merger Bigger, But Not Yet RicherThe OceanPact–CBO merger and the economics behind the market’s restraint Brazil’s offshore sector has produced a bigger company. What it has not yet produced is a richer one. The merger between OceanPact and CBO represents one of the most consequential consolidation moves in the […]
DOF, Petrobras and the strategic value of time in Brazil’s offshore market
By Alexandre Vilela DOF’s recent disclosure regarding the extension of seven contracts with Petrobras in Brazil deserves attention beyond the headline numbers. Not because the extensions themselves are unexpected, but because they illustrate, with unusual clarity, how timing, regulation and industrial legacy interact in the Brazilian offshore support vessel market. Few executives are as closely […]
FLIBS 2025: technical perspectives, human connections, and Strategic impulses for WSB Advisors
By Alexandre Vilela The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) has long transcended the definition of a mere leisure-marine exhibition. Today, it stands as a global meeting point where technology, shipbuilding, brokerage, finance, logistics, and lifestyle converge. For the Westhon Group — and particularly for WSB Advisors, its flagship maritime intelligence and shipbroking arm — […]
TP-25 Gas Carrier Program — Current Ranking Overview
By Alexandre Vilela Following WSB’s previous update on the disqualification of one contender from Lot B of Transpetro’s Gas Carrier Newbuild Program (TP-25), the tender has now advanced into its decisive evaluation phase. Updated standings identified: Lot A — LPG Carrier (7,000 GT Class)1- KIT L.L.C-FZ – USD 169,392,777.532- ECOVIX Construções Oceânicas S.A. – USD […]
TRANSPETRO Gas Carrier Tender — Update on Bid Qualification
By Alexandre Vilela Transpetro has announced the disqualification of IRUS Holding S.A. from Lot B of its ongoing Gas Carrier Newbuild Program (TP-25). According to the Commission’s official communication, the decision is based on two points of non-compliance with the bidding notice and its addenda:• Lack of detailed cost breakdowns in the DFP (item 3.2.2 […]
A Brazilian giant spotted in Angra dos Reis
By Alexandre Vilela September 21 – From onboard WSB’s The Becrux, I had the privilege of capturing the AHTS Bram Offshore Bram Atlas as she departed Angra, heading toward Macaé on a brilliant day to close the Winter season. Crossing paths with a Chouest vessel is always a special moment — my salute to the […]
Petrobras: new AHTS specs
By Alexandre Vilela and Pedro Pelllegrini Petrobras Scales Back Ambitious Design in Multi-Year AHTS Newbuilding Tender Petrobras has revised the technical specifications for its next-generation large Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessels under Brazil’s landmark AHTS Newbuilding tender, which is expected to result in multi-year awards. The original requirements were developed after extensive market sounding […]
WSB’s opinion – Petrobras: priority is over?
By Alexandre Vilela A surprising turn in Brasília. Brazil’s Senate has just approved, in first vote, a bill (PL 3178/2019) that could end Petrobras’ preferential rights in the pre-salt and allow greater flexibility between production sharing and concession models. Other discussions and votes yet to take place. This happens in a Congress where both houses […]
More opportunities in Brazil?
By Alexandre Vilela North Sea’s term and spot markets haven’t developed as expected and rates for large PSVs are still holding at the USD 20k gross vicinity for UK, Norwegian sectors. The proximity to the summer season is not followed by consistent requirements as of yet. The surplus on available tonnage poises challenges to fleet […]
New SDSV is out
By Alexandre Vilela As WSB have been anticipating to its clients and partners, Petrobras released a new opportunity to charter Shallow Diving Support Vessels (SDSV). The tender will once again use the reverse auction process to sort out best offers among the bidders. At this moment, tender documents/information have not yet been disclosed in Petrobras […]
AHTS tender
By Alexandre Vilela Petrobras AHTS Tender: Rates Through the Roof – But What’s Next? The AHTS market in Brazil is heating up, and Petrobras’ latest tender results have made waves. Featuring 8 categories, or “Lots,” the numbers are staggering: AHTS-R (with ROV): rates roaring between USD 108k and 118k per day.AHTS (without ROV): day rates […]
A memorable celebration on rooftop
By Alexandre Vilela 2024 concludes, and we take a moment to reflect and celebrate what has been an incredible year. This year brought important changes to our team. While we bid farewell to some valued colleagues, having former employees join us at our year-end barbecue is a testament to the relationships we’ve nurtured and the […]
A special recognition: Medal Tamandaré
By Alexandre Vilela “On December 13, last Friday, I was very happy and honored with this recognition by the esteemed Brazilian Navy, especially in the month that completes 50 years of professional career in our market (from the edge of the pier), it was an honor to receive the Tamandaré Medal of Merit. Bravo Zulu!”, […]
Where’s my black cat? It’s Friday the 13th!
By Alexandre Vilela On this spooky day, let’s dive into some salty seafarer superstitions and Frigga’s (Norse goddess of Friday) wisdom: No whistling! Unless you’re plotting mutiny or summoning a tempest, keep those lips sealed. (If you’re the cook, it’s okay—whistling means you’re not stealing the snacks!) Skip the scissors. Cutting your hair or nails […]
Petrobras tender update
By Alexandre Vilela Earlier this year, in March, WSB Advisors shared insights on Petrobras’s FPSOs SEAP I and II, predicting that securing their own units would be the most probable route, based on statements by Carlos Travassos at the time. Fast forward through two tender attempts, Petrobras has now returned to the market for the […]
Transpetro Bid
By Alexandre Vilela The Transpetro – Petrobras Transporte S. A. TP-25 Shipbuilding Program The tender for the first four handy-size tankers (15-18 thousand DWT) of Transpetro’s TP-25 shipbuilding program has received a bid from shipyard Rio Grande S.A, in partnership with Mac Laren. Among 20 pre-qualified bidders, this offer quotes around USD 75 million per […]
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