Brazil’s Transpetro to Relaunch Barge Tender After Low Interest
Transpetro, the logistics arm of Petrobras, is gearing up to reissue a tender for the construction of barges following a lackluster response in a previous bidding process in May. Sergio Bacci, the CEO of Transpetro, revealed the plans on Tuesday, indicating a strategic shift in their procurement strategy.
Initially, the tender was for four barges, four push boats, and one tug boat earmarked for fuel transportation operations. However, the lack of participation saw only one shipbuilder submitting a bid, which was deemed too high by Transpetro. To address this issue, the company now intends to broaden the scope of the tender by including a total of 20 barges, a move expected to generate more interest among builders.
During an event in Rio de Janeiro, Bacci mentioned, “We’re finalizing the process and should release the bidding for the barges in September.” This renewed tender is part of Transpetro’s larger plan to commission 20 barges, 20 push boats, and four tug boats by the end of 2026, aiming to enhance their capabilities in oil, derivatives, and biofuels transportation in Brazil.
With this new development, Transpetro is positioning itself to become a key player in the country’s energy logistics sector. The expansion of their fleet through the addition of more barges will not only boost their operational capacity but also solidify their market presence in the region.
As the reissued tender progresses, industry stakeholders will be closely monitoring the developments to assess the impact on the maritime construction sector and the broader implications for Brazil’s energy infrastructure. The successful completion of this tender could pave the way for enhanced efficiency and competitiveness in the transportation of vital energy resources within the country.
Overall, the decision to relaunch the barge tender underscores Transpetro’s commitment to driving innovation and growth in the sector, signaling a new chapter in their strategic expansion plans. Stay tuned for updates as the bidding process unfolds in the coming months.
(Source: Reuters – Reporting by Fabio Teixeira)