Starnav Launches Brazil’s First Hybrid PSV with Battery-Electric Propulsion

Brazilian offshore vessel operator Starnav has launched Starnav Elektra, the country’s first hybrid-powered platform supply vessel (PSV), marking the introduction of battery-assisted offshore support vessels to the Brazilian market.

Launched in March 2026 and scheduled to enter service later the same year, the vessel is the first of 10 battery-equipped PSVs being designed and built in Brazil for long-term operations supporting Petrobras.

First Hybrid PSV for Brazil’s Offshore Sector

Constructed by Detroit Brasil, the 92.1-metre, 5,500 dwt, DP2-class vessel has been built to ABS class and carries the ESS-LiBATTERY, HYBRID, and SUSTAIN-1 notations.

The SUSTAIN-1 notation recognises compliance with ABS sustainability requirements covering pollution prevention, emissions reduction, waste management, marine ecosystem protection, performance monitoring and ship recycling.

Battery System Improves Efficiency

Starnav Elektra is equipped with a 1,322 kWh lithium-ion battery energy storage system supplied by WEG.

The battery system was developed in close collaboration with Petrobras and enables two primary operating modes:

• Peak shaving, allowing diesel generators to operate within their most efficient load range while batteries supply additional power during peak demand.
• Spinning reserve, enabling the vessel to operate with fewer generators online while batteries provide backup power when required.

The hybrid configuration is expected to reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, decrease engine running hours and minimise maintenance requirements.

The vessel has also been designed to operate using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), providing additional flexibility for reducing lifecycle emissions.

Rolls-Royce to Supply Power Generation System

Rolls-Royce will supply the propulsion package for the vessel series, providing a total of 40 mtu Series 4000 M33S engines across the ten newbuilds.

Each vessel will be fitted with:

• Four mtu 16V 4000 M33S engines
• Four diesel generator sets
• Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems supplied by Hug Engineering
• Compliance with IMO Tier III emission standards

Each engine delivers 2,080 kW at 1,800 rpm and is designed for diesel-electric offshore applications requiring high reliability and rapid load response.

Long-Term Petrobras Charter

All ten hybrid vessels have secured 12-year charter contracts with Petrobras and will support offshore logistics operations between 2026 and 2028.

According to Starnav CEO Carlos Eduardo Pereira, the vessels represent a major step forward for Brazil’s offshore support vessel sector by combining hybrid propulsion, battery technology and compatibility with lower-carbon fuels to improve operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

Key Highlights

• Vessel: Starnav Elektra
• Type: Hybrid Platform Supply Vessel (PSV)
• Operator: Starnav
• Builder: Detroit Brasil
• Length: 92.1 metres
• Deadweight: 5,500 dwt
• Class: ABS DP2
• Battery capacity: 1,322 kWh
• Battery supplier: WEG
• Power generation: Four mtu 16V 4000 M33S engines
• Emission compliance: IMO Tier III with SCR systems
• Fuel capability: Diesel and HVO-compatible
• Fleet programme: 10 hybrid vessels
• Charter: 12-year contracts with Petrobras
• Service entry: Between 2026 and 2028