DOF wins long-term Petrobras deal for four ethanol-capable RSVs

The first two vessels are expected to be delivered by 2030, in line with the planned start of operations.

IMAGE: Containers transported across the Rio–Niterói Bridge in Brazil. Getty Images.

Norwegian offshore services firm DOF has secured a 12-year charter contract in Brazil for remotely operated vehicle (ROV) support vessels for Petrobras’ offshore operations.

The deal includes the construction of four newbuild vessels for subsea inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) activities in Petrobras’ deepwater operations.

DOF said the vessels will feature hybrid propulsion systems capable of operating on ethanol, diesel, and battery power packs.

The deal adds to growing momentum around ethanol as a marine fuel, even as the fuel remains in its early stages.

Recent developments have included Everllence successfully testing a dual-fuel engine running on ethanol and partnering with Brazilian miner Vale on ethanol engine development. Vale has also moved to charter two ethanol-capable vessels scheduled for delivery from 2029.

Meanwhile, WinGD has said it plans to launch an ethanol-capable engine next year, while HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has completed full-load ethanol operation testing.

Container shipping major Maersk has also expanded ethanol trials onboard dual-fuel methanol vessels, first testing a 10% ethanol blend before later increasing the blend ratio to 50%, signalling growing industry interest in the fuel.

By Gautamee Hazarika

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