By Brazil Stock Guide – Transpetro, the logistics subsidiary of Petróleo Brasileiro SA (PETR4.SA), launched a tender on Monday for the acquisition of 18 barges and 18 push boats to expand its fuel transport operations along Brazil’s inland waterways. The company said the vessels are expected to start operations in 2026. The announcement was first reported by Valor Econômico.
The bidding will be divided into six lots — three for barges and three for push boats. According to the company, ten of the barges will have a capacity of 3,000 deadweight tons (DWT), while the remaining eight will carry up to 2,000 DWT. The tender allows a single shipyard to win multiple lots.
In a statement, Transpetro said: “This new business will position Transpetro as one of the largest operators of barges for the transportation of petroleum derivatives and biofuels in Brazil in the coming years.”
The move is part of a wider expansion plan unveiled in May, when the company announced its goal of tendering 44 vessels by the end of 2026 to strengthen its inland waterway fuel transport business.