According to shipbroker Bancosta, Petrobras has placed an order for three 10,000 cbm semi-refrigerated liquefied gas carriers with Dashenzhou Shipbuilding. Each vessel is priced at $55 million, bringing the total contract value to $165 million, and all deliveries are slated for completion by the end of 2027.
It is understood that the three 10,000 cbm semi-refrigerated/semi-pressurized liquefied gas carriers are part of Petrobras’ ongoing gas carrier fleet expansion project. The project aims to construct a total of eight new vessels, with shipbuilders selected through a competitive bidding process.
The remaining five vessels under this project will be built by Brazil’s local Rio Grande Shipyard, including three 7,000 cbm and two 14,000 cbm fully pressurized liquefied gas carriers. These vessels are primarily designed for transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and petroleum derivatives, and the shipbuilding contract was awarded to Rio Grande Shipyard on January 19, 2026.
Notably, the three gas carriers ordered from Dashenzhou Shipbuilding mark the shipyard’s first announced contract in 2026. In 2025, Dashenzhou Shipbuilding secured orders for a total of 3+1 stainless steel chemical tankers, solidifying its position in the specialty vessel market.
Spanning over 300,000 square meters, Dashenzhou Shipbuilding boasts premium facilities, including an 800-meter deep-water shoreline and an 80,000-ton dry dock. The shipyard possesses comprehensive capabilities covering ship research, design, repair, and construction, supported by an intelligent section workshop and a full-fledged digital inspection center.
Dashenzhou Shipbuilding was acquired in January 2024 by a new shareholder structure led by Pan Xuejian, the major shareholder of Wuzhou Shipbuilding Industry. Following the acquisition, the shipyard has maintained operational, technological, and production continuity with Wuzhou Shipbuilding Industry’s original team, and will continue to expand its product portfolio focusing on gas carriers and chemical tankers.