Transpetro signs contract for four new MR1 tankers

Transpetro has signed a US$427 million contract with Ecovix’s Rio Grande shipyard for the construction of four MR1-class tankers, each with a deadweight capacity of approximately 40,000 tons. The vessels will transport crude oil and petroleum products along the Brazilian coast as part of the company’s fleet renewal and expansion strategy.

The contract stems from the tender concluded in 2024 and forms part of the Mar Aberto Program, Transpetro’s long-term initiative to renew and expand the Petrobras System fleet. Delivery of the first vessel is expected within 33 months.

The broader program includes plans for the construction of 16 coastal shipping vessels, as well as 18 barges and 18 tugboats, reinforcing Transpetro’s long-term investment in Brazil’s maritime logistics infrastructure.

According to Transpetro President Sérgio Bacci, the four MR1 tankers will strengthen the company’s logistics capacity to support Petrobras’ growing production and refining activities. He also stated that, with the vessels contracted under the current fleet renewal program, Transpetro expects to expand its fleet from 26 to 42 vessels by 2030, while supporting the revitalization of Brazil’s domestic shipbuilding industry.

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