Brazilian shipyard Estaleiro Ilha SA (Eisa) appears to have beaten out compatriot yard Estaleiro Maua (Maua) in a battle to build eight product tankers for state-controlled tanker giant Transpetro.
A source inside the transport arm of Rio de Janeiro-based energy group Petrobras says a bidding committee will review technical aspects of the proposal before the award is official.
Eisa and Maua were the only yards to submit proposals in a tender launched last December.
When the winner is crowned, Transpetro says it will announce the winning bid and contract value.
Upon completion, it will mark the end to phase two of Brazil’s 49-vessel fleet modernisation and expansion programme (Promef), the billion-dollar state-sponsored initiative designed to help Brazilian shipyards gain a global competitive edge while the country works to boost its domestic shipbuilding capability.
Transpetro is looking to construct five 30,000-dwt vessels and three units in the 40,000-dwt range under its latest order.