Shipyard in RS begins building ships ordered by Transpetro

The Rio Grande Shipyard, in Rio Grande do Sul, began construction of the first of four Handymax type ships contracted by Transpetro (Petrobras' logistics subsidiary), under the Open Sea Program. The initiative is aimed at renewing and expanding the Petrobras System's own fleet.

This Thursday (15), the keel laying ceremony was held, the "backbone" where the construction of a ship begins. The act of beating is a centuries-old tradition considered a symbol of protection and good luck for the vessel and its crew.

"The construction of these ships represents a milestone in the resumption of Transpetro's investments in its own fleet. The project reinforces the company's strategy of expanding its operational capacity to meet market demands and keep up with the expansion of oil production in the country", highlighted Transpetro's director of Maritime Transport, Jones Soares.

The vessels will transport clear petroleum products, such as marine diesel, S10 diesel, S500 diesel and aviation gasoline. In total, Ecovix will build 13 ships for Transpetro in the coming years, four of which will be Handymax; in addition to five pressurized tankers for transporting LPG and derivatives; and four medium-sized ships of the MR1 (Medium Range) class.