Esmeralda conducts a shallow-water ROV activity simulation during acceptance testing for a new contract (Photo: Seagems)
New PLSV vessel chartering and operation contracts with the state-owned company total USD 1.8 billion
Seagems, a Brazilian company specialized in subsea engineering, announces that five of its six vessels are already operating under new contracts signed with Petrobras. The most recent development was the Rubi vessel, which completed its acceptance testing at 1:00 PM on May 19.
Seagems‘ operations with Petrobras take place under long-term contracts for the chartering and operation of PLSV-type vessels (Pipe Laying Support Vessels), which are typically used for handling flexible pipelines in deep waters. In addition to the Rubi, the Jade, Diamante, Topázio, and Esmeralda vessels are also operating under these agreements. The sixth vessel in the fleet, Ônix, is expected to also begin operations under contract with Petrobras later this year, after completing its participation in the Atlanta field operations led by Sapura Energy and Brava Energia.
According to Rogerio Salbego, President of Seagems, this collaboration reinforces confidence in the company’s capabilities within the market. “Our new long-term commitments with Petrobras illustrate the trust built through the operational excellence we’ve delivered over years of partnership. We are ready to continue meeting the demand for subsea engineering solutions,” he stated.
The Seagems fleet consists of six vessels designed as PLSVs and developed to meet the sector’s most complex demands. Five of them – Diamante, Topázio, Ônix, Jade, and Rubi – are equipped with two pipe storage carousels with capacities of 2,500 and 1,500 tons. The smaller vessel, Esmeralda, features carousels with capacities of 2,000 and 500 tons, remaining a versatile and efficient option for supporting subsea operations.
In total, services directed to Petrobras in this new round of charters amount to USD 1.8 billion. The new contracts with the state-owned company span three years, with the most recent contract extending operations through 2028.
With a 36% share of the national market for subsea flexible pipeline interconnection and handling, Seagems strengthens its role in strategic projects for the development of offshore infrastructure in Brazil. This volume highlights the company’s leadership in key Brazilian contracts, as well as its expertise in meeting the sector’s demands and contributing to the advancement of ultra-deepwater operations.