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
Tender update
By Alexandre Vilela Tender Update: Petrobras Signs Contracts to Meet AHTS Demand We’re pleased to share that Petrobras has now signed contracts for the recent AHTS TS/TO tender, fulfilling all demand requirements. For our WSBOne subscribers, this information with vessel names and dates is already live on our online platform, offering early insights into contract […]
It happens – Offshore Series: The Tender Dilemma!
By Alexandre Vilela Offshore operations often come with unexpected challenges, sometimes leading to complications that ripple across entire projects. Let me share a recent example: A tender required a vessel for a 2-year contract, but the winning vessel, foreign-flagged, obtained a 1-year CAA under the anticipated circularization process. After six months, a new circularization blocked […]
Insights on Brazil’s drilling scenario!
By Alexandre Vilela The state-of-the-art drillship Atlantic Zonda has departed Singapore en route to Brazil. This 7th-generation, dual-drilling rig, built on Samsung 96K design, is capable of drilling in water depths of up to 12,000 feet. Once in Brazilian waters, Petrobras will engage the Zonda for a 36-month contract, marking a key step in its […]
Marine Fuels Market on the Rise in Brazil
By Alexandre Vilela The Brazilian marine fuels market is booming! Over the past few years, Bunker One has grown, with new operations and equipment. Meanwhile, Monjasa and local heavyweights Ipiranga, Raízen with a recently deployed new dedicated barge and Vibra (formerly BR Distribuidora) have jumped into the action, showing just how critical this market has […]
Petrobras with new PSV tender
By Alexandre Vilela Petrobras PSV New Building Bid Results are Out! As antecipated, Bram Offshore (Edison Chouest Offshore) and Starnav Serviços Marítimos have delivered the most competitive offers. Notably, Posidonia Shipping was about 10% higher than Bram, but worth highlighting that Posidonia’s bid was the lowest among those not utilizing their own shipyard—well done! The […]
WSB Advisors Seminar Gathers Over 100 Industry Leaders
On September 25th, the iconic Copacabana Palace Hotel in Rio de Janeiro hosted another successful edition of the WSB Advisors Maritime Navigation Seminar, now in its 7th edition. Led by Alexandre Vilela, CEO of WSB Advisors, and Joana Rodrigues, Head of Market Intelligence, the event brought together over 100 guests from the oil, gas, and […]
AHTS tender results
By Alexandre Vilela Petrobras has released the approval results for Lote A of the latest AHTS tender. Congratulations to Asgaard Bourbon Navegação for Geonisio Barroso and Yvan Barreto, and to Asso Marítima Navegação and Augusta Offshore for Asso Ventinove on their approval. Way to go! Nothing like a dynamic market during an agitated ROGe week!
Petrobras with new tender
By Alexandre Vilela Petrobras has just released the long-awaited OSRV New Building tender! An opportunity for up to 10 PSV/OSRV 5,000t dwt vessels to be awarded 8, 10 or 12 years with up to 6 vessels per bidder, with the deadline currently set for September 30th. At WSB Advisors, we’re closely monitoring this tender and […]
OSRV bid results
By Alexandre Vilela OSRV bid results are out! This tender follows Petrobras’ attempt to recover from the previous opportunity, where nearly half of the bidders faced disqualification due to invalid fuel consumption tables, resulting in the hire of just one vessel from Grupo Bravante. In this new round, Bravante has presented competitive rates, signaling their […]
Boosting Ports with Innovation
By Alexandre Vilela The arrival of the Temporary Floating Pier in Itacoatiara, Amazon, is a significant milestone. This 277.5-meter unit by the Chibatão Group, equipped with three LBS 600 modules, ensures the continuous supply of goods, even during severe droughts. This modern solution represents the role of ANTAQ and other authorities in promoting flexibility and […]
A special meeting at Copacabana Palace
By Alexandre Vilela On August 24th, we have the exciting Conmebol Under-20 Intercontinental Finals! A special thanks to Evangelos Marinakis and Capital Maritime for graciously hosting a reception for the Rio de Janeiro shipping industry, allowing us to meet and greet the Olympiacos youth team ahead of their big match. We would also like to […]
WSB present at Brazil Party II
By Alexandre Vilela August 21st: A Memorable Evening ICRJ In what was truly a highlight of the Navalshore week—the largest maritime trade show in Latin America—we gathered for an unforgettable evening at the Iate Clube do Rio de Janeiro. A heartfelt thank you to our dear friend Alex Ikonomopoulos from Posidonia, our gracious host who […]
Mooring System Failures: A Cause for Concern
By Alexandre Vilela In the last 30 days, we’ve seen an alarming series of mooring line ruptures on Petrobras platforms P-38 and P-19, with 3 incidents on P-38 and 2 on P-19. These events, though unexpected, highlight the critical importance of reliable mooring systems, especially during the rough seas of the winter season. Despite the […]
Petrobras PSV Tender Results Announced
By Alexandre Vilela Initially intended to hire 2 vessels, the tender’s demand fluctuated into 10 ships than back to 2, eventually offering 4 units at closure, with notable high-side outliers. Highlights: (Bram Offshore): Two competitive bids with Brazilian-flagged, Norway-built (Simek A/S) vessels, aligning with current market averages. Wilson Sons and Posidonia Shipping: Off-the-charts bids, indicating […]
AHTS tender: an update
By Alexandre Vilela Petrobras closed the AHTS tender, with plans to hire up to 7 AHTSs and one OTSV. The amplitude on rates is worth noting. TS: Asgaard with AHTSs offered at USD 31k, for comparison below the last OSRV average rates. Asso Marítima Navegação Ltda (Augusta Offshore S.p.A.) just below USD 40k, with Solstad […]
WSB Choice Awards 2024 Update
By Alexandre Vilela We are thrilled to announce that the closed voting for the WSB Choice Awards 2024 is nearing its conclusion. Very soon, you will have the chance to participate in the public voting right on LinkedIn, as well as on our WSB Website and other channels. Stay tuned for the upcoming announcement of […]
IBAMA on Strike: The Why and the Consequences
By Alexandre Vilela The ongoing IBAMA strike has severe implications for the Oil & Gas industry, potentially resulting in a loss of between 80,000 and 220,000 barrels of oil per day. Delayed drilling and well connection campaigns are just the tip of the iceberg. The true impact is felt in the day-to-day operations, where a […]
Biodiesel in Marine Fuels: A New Milestone
By Alexandre Vilela ANP (National Oil Agency) authorization to sell bunker fuel with up to 24% biodiesel. Building on the success of 2022 tests with 10% biodiesel, which achieved a 7% reduction in emissions, the new B24 blend is expected to achieve an impressive 17-19% reduction in emissions. This initiative aligns with the current PSV […]
Barracuda-Caratinga FPSO tender postponed
By Alexandre Vilela Petrobras has once again postponed the Barracuda-Caratinga tender proposal deadline. While the market often interprets this as a reflection of Petrobras’s diminished ability to attract players, especially in light of the single offer result for SEAP I and II, the reality is different. The number of FPSO operators has actually increased in […]
WSB update: FPSO Fluminense is underway to MARS
By Alexandre Vilela FPSO Fluminense is underway to MARS (Modern American Recycling Services, Inc). in Denmark, after successful disconnection from the Bijupirá & Salema fields concluded earlier this month, with the assistance of Boskalis vessels Falcon and Centre. The unit is being towed also by Boskalis’ Summit, Glacier and Manta, in a project that counted […]
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