By Alexandre Vilela and Pedro Pelllegrini
Petrobras Scales Back Ambitious Design in Multi-Year AHTS Newbuilding Tender
Petrobras has revised the technical specifications for its next-generation large Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessels under Brazil’s landmark AHTS Newbuilding tender, which is expected to result in multi-year awards. The original requirements were developed after extensive market sounding and aimed to stretch design boundaries by proposing a vessel of unprecedented scale and capacity, intended to redefine offshore support capabilities in deep and ultra-deepwater environments.
The initial concept called for a vessel capable of carrying eight 160-ton torpedo piles on deck, effectively centralizing operations typically performed by up to four conventional AHTSs. This responded to Petrobras’ plan to increase torpedo pile weights from 120 to 160 tons, with the goal of reducing the number of mooring lines required per offshore unit. The concept also envisioned enhanced chain-handling capacity and significant onboard storage to support operations in remote, high-energy basins such as the Equatorial Margin.
After significant industry feedback and feasibility analysis, Petrobras has now adopted a more pragmatic approach. The revised specifications bring the project closer to international standards while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Key updates include a reduction in length overall from 130m to 97m, draft from 8.4m to 7m and deck area from 1,500m² to 840m². The original 250-ton subsea crane will be replaced with a 20-ton main crane and deck capacity has been lowered from 8+1 to 4+1 torpedo piles.
The result is a technically capable vessel design that significantly reduces construction complexity and cost, without compromising its core function within Petrobras’ offshore operations.
