Starnav signs Rolls-Royce agreement for new hybrid offshore fleet supporting Petrobras

Starnav has signed an agreement with Rolls-Royce to supply 40 mtu 16V 4000 M33S engines for ten new hybrid offshore support vessels contracted by Petrobras. Announced on July 9, 2026, the agreement marks another step in the renewal of Brazil’s offshore support fleet, combining larger vessels, long-term charter contracts and lower-emission technologies for offshore logistics.

The package includes six Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) and four Oil Spill Response Vessels (OSRVs), supporting Petrobras’ offshore logistics and oil spill response operations under 12-year charter contracts. The vessels will feature hybrid diesel-electric propulsion with integrated battery systems and mtu engines compliant with IMO Tier III standards, reducing NOx emissions while improving fuel efficiency.

The project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 20% compared with Starnav’s current fleet. The reduction reflects not only the adoption of hybrid propulsion but also the combination of modern engines, battery integration and more efficient vessel designs, as offshore operators continue investing in lower-carbon support fleets.

The newbuild program is valued at approximately R$ 2.5 billion, with financing support from Brazil’s Merchant Marine Fund (FMM). The vessels are being built at Detroit Brasil Shipyard and are scheduled to enter service between 2026 and 2028, highlighting the FMM’s continued role in supporting fleet renewal while enabling Petrobras’ long-term charter strategy.

Another notable feature of the program is the increase in vessel deadweight. The new units are expected to offer around 5,500 tonnes of deadweight, compared with approximately 4,500 tonnes across much of Starnav’s existing PSV fleet. Beyond increasing cargo capacity, the larger design offers greater operational flexibility and can improve transport efficiency by carrying more cargo per voyage while benefiting from hybrid propulsion and next-generation engines.

For Rolls-Royce, the agreement further strengthens the presence of its mtu propulsion systems in Brazil’s offshore support market, where fleet renewal is increasingly driven by efficiency and environmental performance requirements. For Starnav, the investment expands a fleet designed to support Petrobras’ offshore operations with modern vessels combining higher cargo capacity, hybrid propulsion and compliance with the latest emissions standards.

Taken together, the project reflects broader trends shaping Brazil’s offshore support market: larger vessels, hybrid propulsion, longer charter periods and continued investment in fleet modernization to meet both operational and environmental requirements. With deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2028, the new fleet will become part of Petrobras’ long-term offshore support infrastructure.