Petrobras considering leasing shipyard

Brazilian state-run energy giant Petrobras is considering renting the former Ishibras shipyard in Rio de Janeiro state according to local sources. Petrobras would lease the shipyard at a cost of 4 million Brazilian reals ($2.34 million) per month for 20 years, the report said although no final decision has been made. The site will need about $80 million in investments to bring it up to current shipyard standards.
Petrobras would in all probability sublet the shipyard to a company that would build platforms or ships, rather than operate the shipyard itself. Petrobras officials have said the company wants to stimulate the local oil- services industry to reduce costs, create local jobs and increase the amount of local content in oil platforms, drill rigs and supply vessels.
In May 2008, Petrobras announced plans to spend $5 billion to build 146 support vessels and has turned to the long-dormant domestic ship building industry to fill the order. Brazil was among the world's largest ship-producing countries in the 1980s before a global downturn in the industry saw the local docks closed down.