Offshore drives Brazil’s shipbuilding revival
Enseada has returned to work after a long absence (Source: Enseada)
Brazil’s shipyards are regaining momentum, led by offshore demand and backed by state investment through the Merchant Marine Fund. Approved financing of BRL 8.4 billion (USD 1.6 billion) has enabled Enseada do Paraguaçu in Bahia to restart work after an eight-year gap, focused on offshore support tonnage and facility upgrades. Minister of Ports and Airports Silvio Costa Filho said: “The Merchant Marine Fund plays an essential role in modernising logistics infrastructure and strengthening national industry.” President Lula stated: “I’m here to revive the Brazilian shipbuilding industry.”
At Enseada, six 5,000-dwt oil spill response vessels for CMM Offshore carry twelve-year Petrobras charters worth USD 1.5 billion. The battery-hybrid ships, designed by Kongsberg Maritime with Wärtsilä Marine engines, are scheduled for delivery from 2029 and may run on ethanol in future. The yard has also secured funding approval for eight ROV support vessels and a further six OSRVs, alongside a contract for 80 river barges for LHG Mining.
Activity is rising nationwide. One offshore operator, Navship, has BRL 10.2 billion in newbuild and charter agreements for four ROV Support Vessels for BRAM Offshore, with deliveries from 2029. Petrobras expects to tender 52 OSV contracts by 2028, while other yards, including Detroit Brasil and EISA, are adding PSV orders. Brazilian–Chinese partnerships and Hanwha Ocean’s proposed yard in Rio de Janeiro state signal broader industrial expansion.
