Petrobras Partners With Fugro to Launch Landmark 18 MW Offshore Wind Pilot Project in Brazil

Fugro has secured a contract with Petrobras for Brazil's first 18 MW offshore wind pilot, marking a major step for South American renewable energy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 8:07 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from OffshoreWIND.biz

Strategic Foundation for South American Offshore Renewables

The Brazilian energy landscape is witnessing a significant shift as Petrobras initiates its inaugural offshore wind venture through a partnership with Fugro. This pilot project, situated off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, is designed to generate 18 MW of power using a single high capacity turbine. By securing specialized geotechnical site investigations, the state owned oil major is moving beyond traditional fossil fuel extraction to explore the vast renewable potential of the South Atlantic. This development is not merely a local trial but serves as the primary environmental licensing case study for the entire South American offshore wind sector.

Comprehensive Geotechnical Analysis and Data Acquisition

Under the newly awarded contract, Fugro is tasked with conducting a thorough nearshore study near Sao Joao da Barra to provide the technical data essential for project engineering. The scope of work is extensive, involving soil sampling, in situ testing, and laboratory analysis across four coastal and shallow water locations. Furthermore, the investigation will extend to onshore areas to facilitate the planning of cable landfall and routing. Fugro has scheduled these operations to begin in April 2026, with the analytical phase continuing through the third quarter of that year to ensure a robust foundation for the turbine's installation.

Reducing Technical Uncertainty in Emerging Markets

According to Celine Gerson, President and Group Director for Fugro in the Americas, the acquisition of early geo data is a vital instrument for minimizing risk and ensuring the long term viability of renewable infrastructure. The collaboration aims to establish a rigorous technical framework that allows Brazil to expand its energy portfolio responsibly. By integrating Fugro's global expertise with local operational hubs in Rio das Ostras and Pinhais, the project leverages specialized knowledge to navigate the unique seafloor conditions of the Brazilian continental shelf, providing a blueprint for future large scale deployments.