Petrobras' "Open Sea Program" First PSV Delivered with Investment of Approximately R$450 Million

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On September 17, Petrobras held a naming ceremony in Rio de Janeiro for the Starnav Elektra platform supply vessel (PSV). Built by the Detroit shipyard in Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil, with an investment of approximately R$450 million, the vessel is the first chartered ship delivered under Petrobras' "Open Sea Program" (Programa Mar Aberto) and will subsequently be deployed for platform support operations in Brazilian offshore oil and gas basins.

The Starnav Elektra features a next-generation energy management configuration, equipped with battery packs, a telemetry-based energy consumption monitoring system, and the capability to partially use renewable fuels. The hull also applies new coatings and antifouling systems to reduce navigation resistance, fuel consumption, and operational emissions. Petrobras uses such PSVs for the transport of materials, equipment, and operational support for offshore platforms.

During the voyage from Santa Catarina to Rio de Janeiro, the vessel was operated by an all-female crew of 16 women. After the naming ceremony, the Starnav Elektra will enter Petrobras' offshore platform operating system.

The "Open Sea Program" is intended to renew and expand Petrobras' fleet. At the naming ceremony, Petrobras President Magda Chambriard disclosed that the company plans to complete contracts for 48 vessels by the end of 2026, with the total fleet reaching 96 vessels by 2027, including barges and pusher tugs.

The program currently also covers multiple types of offshore support vessels. In May 2026, Petrobras signed 8 contracts totaling approximately R$11 billion for the construction, chartering, and operation of 4 deepwater and ultra-deepwater subsea operation support vessels, which will be built at the Brazilian shipyard Navship.