Keppel FELS Brasil secures two FPSO topside contracts worth R$500 million

Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd (Keppel O&M), through its subsidiary Keppel FELS Brasil, has secured two contracts totalling R$500 million (approx. S$381.4 million) – one from Single Buoy Moorings Inc. (SBM), and another from the joint venture company MODEC and Toyo Offshore Production Systems (MTOPS).

Mr Chow Yew Yuen, President (The Americas) of Keppel O&M, said, “Keppel has worked closely with various international drillers and fleet owners operating in Brazil for some 30 years. Today, in replicating Keppel O&M’s proven systems and practices in Brazil, we are able to offer a full range of offshore solutions in construction, conversion, repair and modification, as well as the fabrication and integration of production topsides, among others.

“We are heartened that SBM and MTOPS have reaffirmed our position as the choice solutions partner in Brazil’s offshore and marine industry with these contracts to fabricate and integrate modules for their latest FPSOs. As we grow our competencies and track record as the most established shipyard in Latin America, we will continue to nurture win-win relationships with our valued customers. We see the market improving and our yard has the capacity and capability to take on more jobs.”

Petrobras will spend $3.5 billion over the next four years double biofuels output

Will the waterways soon be flooded with biofuel tankers?

Brazilian state-run energy giant Petrobras (PBR, PETR4.BR) will spend $3.5 billion over the next four years to more than double biofuels output, positioning the company to take advantage of global demand for clean, renewable sources of energy.

“We are preparing for a global scenario in which the demand for biofuels is expanding,” Miguel Rossetto, chief executive of Petrobras biofuels unit Petrobras Biocombustivel, said in an interview.

Petrobras created Petrobras Biocombustivel in 2008 to be the platform for its entry into Brazil’s biofuels sector, where sugarcane ethanol has been in use since the 1970s. But the world’s need to reduce carbon emissions, including firm targets set by some countries, means that demand for biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel will likely explode in coming years.

Petrobras approves order for 7 deepwater rigs for $4.64B

Petrobras’ board of directors approved the bidding process for the construction, in Brazil, of the first seven of a total of 28 offshore drilling rigs intended to meet its long-term drilling program with priority given to the pre-salt wells. The new rigs are expected to come into operation in 2015. The remaining 21 rigs will also produced in the country.

During the construction period, 32,000 thousand direct and indirect jobs are hoped to be created in eight years. In the operation phase, meanwhile, there will be 10,000 new positions (direct and indirect) for a period of 10 years.

Chilean Naval Aviation upgrade, a pressing operational need?

Those familiar with the business world recognize the use of a common vision to stretch the imagination of a corporation, create new expectations and cause a sense of urgency for the proposed changes. Once the goals and the strategic vision are set, the direct involvement between potential suppliers and the leaders of the organization about to initiate the changes are one of the first steps towards information exchange and cooperation. Kind of the "be there, make ithappen" new business style.

Transpetro opens 342 positions for Brazil’s Merchant Marine officers

Monday, Transpetro, Petrobras’ subsidiary for transportation logistics, called for the immediate admission of 342 officers of the Merchant Marine to man the vessels operating in its fleet. The period to register for the contest – which is free of charge – ends on April 4. The public notice and the registration form are available on the company’s website or can be picked up at the addresses that are listed in the notice itself. The minimum pay is R$7,620.93, or approximately USD4568.90.

To fill these 342 openings, Transpetro foresees for the registration of the 394 best qualified candidates. In total, 204 candidates will be registered for the position of 2nd nautical officer, of which 177 for immediate admission, and 190 candidates for the 2nd engine officer, of which 165 for immediate admission. The registration includes the technical qualification stage, which is classificatory and eliminatory.