Petrobras gets single offer from SBM for Mero 4 oil platform -sources

By Marta Nogueira

RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Brazil's state-controlledoil company Petrobras received only one proposal,from Holland's SBM Offshore, in a bid to contractconstruction of the Mero 4 oil platform in the Santos Basinpre-salt, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

Petrobras' business plan foresees Mero 4 entering operationin 2025 with a capacity to produce 180,000 barrels of oil a day.

Petrobras and SBM declined to comment.

One of the sources commented that it is the "first time in along time that Petrobras has received only one proposal" in abid, a sign that the platform chartering market may no longerhave as much room to absorb new demands.

In January, Petrobras held the first bid for the contractingof its own platforms in more than seven years, while seeking todiversify its suppliers of production units.

On that occasion, the company received three proposals fromconsortia led by Keppel Corporation Ltd, Samsung HeavyIndustries Co Ltd and Daewoo Shipbuilding & MarineEngineering Co Ltd, for the construction of the P-78and P-79 platforms.

According to previous information provided by Petrobras, theMero field is the third largest in the pre-salt layer and islocated in the Libra area, the first to be auctioned in Brazilunder production sharing in 2013.

This year, Mero will receive its first definitive productionplatform, according to the business plan.

The area is operated by Petrobras, with a 40% stake, inpartnership with oil majors Royal Dutch Shell and Totaleach with a 20% stake, and 10% each held by Chinesecompanies CNODC and CNOOC.(Reporting by Marta NogueiraEditing by Marguerita Choy)