Petrobras orders four new tankers for $427 million

June 23, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

Brazil’s state-controlled oil company Petrobras has placed a $427 million order with the Estaleiro Rio Grande shipyard for the construction of four medium-range oil tankers that will transport oil and petroleum products along the Brazilian coast.

The contract was signed through Petrobras Transporte (Transpetro) on June 18 for the MR1-class vessels, with each to have a gross tonnage (GT) of 40,000 tons and to be able to operate on biofuels, such as ethanol, and in electrified ports.

The first vessel is expected to be delivered within 33 months. All of the vessels will be approximately 175 meters long and 30 meters wide, and will be able to transport products such as diesel, gasoline, and fuel oil.

The order is part of the Mar Aberto Program aimed at renewing and expanding Petrobras’ own fleet, with 16 coastal vessels planned by Transpetro under the initiative, in addition to 18 barges and 18 tugboats. The initiative has already secured orders for 52 vessels.

“The contracting of medium-sized vessels reinforces Transpetro’s strategy of increasing its logistical capacity to meet the increased production and refining needs of Petrobras. Considering the acquisitions we have made during our administration, the company’s own fleet will increase from 26 to 42 vessels by 2030,” said Sérgio Bacci, President of Transpetro.

“This is our mission: to make Transpetro grow and contribute to the economic and social development of the country, because most of these constructions will take place in Brazil.”

According to Transpetro, the MR1 vessels are expected to enable up to 20% gains in fuel efficiency and a reduction of approximately 30% in greenhouse gas emissions, in accordance with the guidelines of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).