Petrobras Board OKs bidding program for 21 new rigs

The Petrobras Board of Directors has given the go-ahead for the bidding process to award contracts for up to 21 offshore drilling rigs to be built in Brazil, the company announced this week. Two contracts will be awarded for each rig: a leasing contract with the successful bidder, and a rig operation service contract with a company experienced in operating offshore drilling rigs.

Companies invited can submit a proposal for one or more batches of one or more rigs, up to a total of 21 units. Certification of domestic content (products and services sourced in Brazil) will be a requirement, with minimum figures specified by the National Petroleum Agency (ANP).

The bidding process is part of Petrobras’ strategy to contract up to 28 new drilling rigs to be built in Brazil for exploration in ultra-deep waters, including the pre-salt fields. Petrobras awarded the first batch of seven rigs in February this year to Estaleiro Atlantico Sul in the northeastern part of Brazil.