Source: https://www.firjan.com.br/noticias/rede-de-oportunidades-hanwha-ocean.htm
Raul Sanson, vice-president of Firjan, highlighted that the oil, gas and naval market is experiencing an unprecedented cycle of expansion in the country and in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
In front of an audience of more than 250 people at the 21st edition of the Supplier Opportunities Network: Oil, Gas, Energy and Naval (RdO Fornecedores) program, organized by Firjan SENAI SESI, Hanwha Ocean, one of South Korea's largest shipyards, announced that it is in the final stages of signing contracts to use the Niterói base to establish its Brazilian shipyard in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Within 30 to 45 days, the company, which is just beginning its operations in Brazil, will begin reactivating this space, as reported by Marcus Cirio, construction manager for the Asian conglomerate, during the event held 24/7 at Casa Firjan.
"This is an important moment for the Rio de Janeiro shipbuilding industry, which is opening up new supply and business opportunities with a global player. The oil, gas, and shipbuilding market is experiencing an unprecedented cycle of expansion, and Brazil is at the center of this movement," said Raul Sanson, vice president of Firjan.
Sanson highlighted that, in this scenario, Firjan positions itself as a platform for connecting major operators, local suppliers, government agencies, and educational and research institutions.
"This year, six editions of the opportunities network were held, with more than a thousand companies providing goods and services involved," emphasized the vice president, adding that the initiative aims to open doors, generate connections, and strengthen Rio de Janeiro's industry.
During the event, more than 25 meetings were held at the question-and-answer tables, along with various other interactions between the Hanwha Ocean team and potential suppliers. "The future Hanwha shipyard site in Brazil is strategic for Rio de Janeiro, the birthplace of the offshore industry, and surrounded by competent suppliers. Our next step is to fill the construction area, relying on a number of people and suppliers. Therefore, we need the support of all of you, from the entire supply chain, to be able to fill that site again and generate 3 to 7 jobs, which is our mission," said Marcus Cirio.
Participation in tenders
Rafael Thomé, director of Hanwha Ocean, responsible for bringing the company to Brazil, presented a brief overview of the company, the opportunities, and the business opportunities of the 70-year-old Korean conglomerate. He explained that Hanwha is expanding its operations in Brazil in the offshore sector. "Our shipyards focus on four areas: commercial vessels, naval vessels, onshore plants, and the offshore sector, which is what is coming to Brazil. The focus is on FPSOs, FLNGs, drilling rigs, and platforms, which are in high demand in the country," Thomé explained.
According to the company's director, Hanwha will develop the project management, construction, and module integration areas for FPSOs. "The company intends to operate in Brazil in a very solid and aggressive manner. We are already participating in Petrobras' current tenders, such as the EPC and BOT tenders, and we will participate in future tenders, including those for the revitalization of older platforms," says Thomé.
Speaking about interaction with the Brazilian market, the director said that Hanwha views local content positively. He aims to deliver the platform with local Brazilian content: in the areas of engineering, material and equipment procurement, services, and construction.
Regarding internal purchasing processes and how vendors interact, Anderson Ferrarese, Hanwha's supply chain manager, outlined the eight steps required for a company to become a supplier, including registration and portfolio analysis. "You must also complete a five-step qualification questionnaire, including general company information, certifications, and your level of experience in oil and gas," Ferrarese explained. Hanwha Ocean will send selected suppliers a link to the purchasing portal.
Methodology and opportunities
Felipe Siqueira, Oil, Gas, Energy and Naval Specialist at Firjan SENAI SESI, presented the methodology of the Supplier Opportunities Network program, which began in 2022 and has already mapped 1.500 market opportunities with anchor companies and identified more than six thousand potential suppliers.
"Hanwha provided us with more than 30 lines of opportunity, and by cross-referencing information with the database of more than 23 CNPJs, we identified more than 1.100 potential companies, which were invited to the event," said Siqueira, noting that participation is free for everyone, but some deliveries are differentiated for federation members, who have priority both in confirming their attendance at the RdO and at the question-and-answer tables.
He also warns that, to understand whether the candidates' portfolios meet the demands of the anchor companies, interested parties must fill out the Firjan form.
2025 Calendar
On August 19th, 20th, and 21st, the RdO Suppliers will be held during Naval Shore Rio, at Expo Rio, in Cidade Nova. Participating anchors Transpetro, the Brazilian Navy, Wilson Sons, and Estaleiro São Miguel will participate. In October, at OTC Brasil, Opportunities Network events will be held on the 8th, 28th, and 29th, also at Expo Rio.