Petrobras Prepares Mega-Tender for Up to 30 Medium-Sized Helicopters for Offshore Operations

Petrobras to Bolster Offshore Fleet with New Helicopter Tender

Brazil's national oil company, Petrobras, is reportedly preparing to launch a substantial tender for the contracting of up to 30 medium-sized helicopters. This strategic move aims to enhance the company's logistical capabilities and support its expansive oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) activities across the country's offshore regions. The tender is anticipated to be one of the largest of its kind, underscoring Petrobras's ongoing commitment to its core operations.

Scope and Operational Necessity

The upcoming tender highlights the critical role of air transport in Petrobras's operations, particularly for crew changes, urgent medical needs, and the movement of materials to its numerous offshore platforms. Petrobras is a major global player in this sector, responsible for approximately 20% of all air transport in the worldwide petroleum and gas offshore industry. The contracts resulting from this tender are expected to have durations ranging from 42 to 54 months, with operations potentially commencing in 2025, 2026, or 2027.

These helicopters will serve various key operational areas, including:

• The Campos Basin
• The Santos Basin pre-salt province
• The emerging Equatorial Margin, particularly the Foz do Amazonas basin

Operational bases for these aircraft are expected to include strategic locations such as Farol, Açu, Macaé, Cabo Frio, Jacarepaguá, and Maricá in Rio de Janeiro state, as well as Vitória in Espírito Santo and Oiapoque in Amapá.

Market Dynamics and Industry Impact

The offshore aviation market in Brazil is currently characterized by high demand that often exceeds available supply, leading to more competitive charter rates. This environment encourages aircraft operators to continue investing in their fleets and services. Recent tenders by Petrobras have seen significant contract values, with some exceeding US$300 million for multiple aircraft. The company's substantial investment plan, which allocates US$77 billion to offshore oil and gas E&P between 2024 and 2029, further solidifies the long-term demand for such services.

Key helicopter service providers in Brazil, such as CHC Helicopter (CHC do Brasil), Omni Táxi Aéreo, Bristow Táxi Aéreo, and Líder Táxi Aéreo-Air Brasil, are typically active participants in these tenders. The types of helicopters sought often include models like the Leonardo AW139 and the Sikorsky S-92A, with newer models like the Airbus H160 also entering service for Petrobras operations.

Conclusion

The impending mega-tender for up to 30 medium-sized helicopters underscores Petrobras's strategic focus on maintaining and expanding its offshore production capabilities. This significant procurement effort is vital for ensuring efficient logistics and operational continuity across Brazil's vast and complex oil and gas fields, reinforcing the company's position as a leading energy producer in the region. The tender is expected to generate considerable interest within the global offshore aviation industry.