Brazilian state owned energy giant Petrobras has accepted a bid submitted by Seagems, a joint venture involving Bermuda based Paratus Energy Services, for the pipelay support vessel (PLSV) Jade. The development brings the vessel closer to securing offshore operations in Brazil from 2028.
The announcement follows the completion of Petrobras’ latest tender process for pipelay support vessels, launched earlier in 2026 to strengthen its offshore subsea operations. The tender includes five separate packages with different technical requirements and potential contract periods of four years.
However, Paratus Energy Services clarified that the acceptance of the bid does not yet represent a final contract award. The agreement remains subject to Petrobras issuing a formal contract and both parties signing definitive agreements.
Seagems, in which Paratus Energy Services holds a 50% stake, currently operates six multipurpose pipelay support vessels under contracts in Brazil.
During the latest tender, the joint venture submitted bids for two vessels: Jade and another vessel owned by a third party.
In September 2026, Petrobras had already accepted Seagems’ bid for the third party vessel. The joint venture secured access to that vessel through a memorandum of understanding, which also includes an option to purchase it.
The latest acceptance involving Jade represents further progress in a separate vessel bid, strengthening Seagems’ prospects in the Brazilian offshore market.
Paratus Energy Services reported that Seagems had a contract backlog of approximately $1.1 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2026.
The company’s fleet also recorded a technical utilisation rate of 93%, highlighting strong operational activity across its vessels.
The potential addition of Jade to its future Brazilian operations would further strengthen Seagems’ offshore pipelay capabilities and support Petrobras’ subsea development requirements.
The development also reflects continued demand for specialised offshore vessels as Brazil advances its offshore oil and gas activities.