Petrobras to hire 40 deepwater rigs and 146 support vessels

Offshore Staff

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Petrobras plans to hire 40 drillships and semisubmersible drilling platforms to operate in deep and ultra-deep waters. The plan foresees the construction and delivery of the 40 units through 2017, with the company giving priority to building the vessels in Brazil.

Meanwhile, an invitation to tender is under way for the chartering of 24 vessels to support exploration and production activities. Bidding is expected to take place for another 122 of such vessels in the next six years. The 146 support vessels will be built in Brazil.

05/21/2008