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Petrobras sets out future plans at Marintec South America

Petrobras sets out future plans at Marintec South America
One eagerly anticipated conference session on day two of Marintec South America saw Petrobras’ advisor to the ceo Paulo Alonso explain his company’s position and plans for the future. 

Alonso was very open about the problems Petrobras is facing and why the national operator has decided to decrease its spending as detailed in its new business plan.  Petrobras needs to deleverage itself in order to attain a working balance in preparation for future growth as more pre-salt fields become operational, he stressed. 

“We are optimizing our existing offshore assets and therefore we were able to decrease the number of offshore support vessels we need to order, for example,” he said. “We are looking at reducing our costs, being more efficient and with our disinvestment plan we forecast an economy of around $48bn.”

Ensuing discussion centred on the future of shipbuilding and the offshore industries in Brazil. Although the mood was generally optimistic, it was stressed that the situation of some of the newer shipyards working on contracts for ailing Sete Brazil is dire and need to be resolved urgently.

Another seminar looked at “How To Do Business in Brazil”, geared towards foreign companies seeking to join the Brazilian shipbuilding and offshore markets. It examined the current market situation and performed a vital role in explaining the varying local content requirements and also how to deal with local companies under restructuring.

The Leaders’ Forum centered on Brazilian maritime transport, port infrastructure and industry developments. In particular it highlighted the process of port reform that Brazil is currently undergoing, including the impact of a new regulatory framework.

Over on the Marintec South America exhibition floor, an Innovation Space proved a popular attraction, showcasing some of the technologies used in support of the offshore and shipbuilding industries, such as DP (Dynamic Positioning) and advanced maritime communications.

Ian Nash of Intelligent Engineering delivered an interesting lecture on the use of SPS (Sandwich Plate System) for the repair, strengthening and conversion of offshore vessels and assets in Brazi, while Caterpillar’s Mario Bacelar exponded on the value of marine analysis in the offshore industry.  There were also technical promotions at the Chinese and Netherlands international pavilions.

Marintec South America’s professional shipbuilding training courses also proved highly popular with would-be or novice yard workers, posting strong attendance figures in attendance.

Likewise aisles in the exhibition hall itself stayed full throughout the second day of the UBM event, attracting visitors from all segments of the sectors and offshore industries, as well as other hoping to enter or learn more about the maritime industry in Brazil or wider South American region.