Offshore briefing

Offshore Briefing — Drilling, Merchant Marine Fund, and New Charter Awards

• Petrobras has started drilling the 9-BUZ-103D-RJS well in the Búzios field, located in the Campos Basin. The operation is taking place in 1,700 meters of water depth and is being conducted by the drillship Atlantic Zonda, owned by Eldorado Drilling and operated by Ventura Offshore.

• Revenues from the AFRMM (Additional Freight for the Renewal of the Merchant Marine) reached BRL 2.2 billion in the first half of 2025, a 15% increase over the same period in 2024. Net revenue totaled BRL 1.9 billion, up 8.6%. Disbursements from the Merchant Marine Fund (FMM) reached BRL 979 million, largely driven by vessel and port infrastructure financing. Reimbursements to Brazilian Shipping Companies (EBNs) totaled BRL 333 million — 72% higher than the first half of 2024.

• Solstad Offshore confirmed a contract award for the CSV Normand Mermaid with U.S. based SAExploration. The agreement, valued between USD 10 million and USD 30 million, is set to begin in July 2025 for 150 days with potential extensions. The scope also includes two Work Class ROVs, tooling and inspection services to be provided by Omega Subsea.

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