Rolls-Royce to set up $36.5m Brazil offshore factory

The 27,000 sq m facility, dedicated to assembling thrusters and propulsion units for semisubmersible rigs, drill ships and FPSOs, was announced by UK chancellor George Osborne, who called the move “a central part of the government’s long-term economic plan”.

“It is an example of the success achieved by innovative British technology, drawn from years of experience in challenging environments such as the North Sea,” said Osborne.

“We have been working closely with the Brazilian government to further strengthen our partnerships in the energy sector; this is a great example of that work paying off. We look forward to deepening our collaboration in this area.”

Construction of the facility is set to begin in May, with the first batch of thrusters, of the UUC 405 design, for seven drillships currently under construction at Brazil’s Estaleiro Atlântico Sul shipyard for Sete Brasil.

Rolls-Royce South America regional director Francisco Itzaina said: “Rolls-Royce welcomes any government initiative that aims to promote exports, especially from high-skills manufacturing industries. UK export finance has an important contribution to make in backing business and any expansion of its role would be a significant move.”

The announcement follows the news in March that R-R would be opening a $3.3m customer training centre in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro.