Pemex takes formal control of Spanish shipyard

DECEMBER 17, 2013 — Mexican national oil company Pemex yesterday took formal control of the Barreras Shipyard in Vigo, Spain, in which it now has a 51% stake.

At a ceremony to mark the transition, Carlos Roa, Chief of Staff of Pemex’s Directorate General had some good news for local dignitaries.

He said that Mexican firm Procesa has signed a contract with the shipbuilder for the construction of a 79.5 m tuna vessel that would work of Mexico’s Pacific Coast and that construction would start next year on three products tankers for Pemex. Additionally, Mexico’s Grupo Diavas has signed an MOU for construction of a 112 m DP-3 equipped multipurpose offshore support vessel.

Mr. Roa also said that an agreement has also been reached for the opening of “a Barreras in Mexico.”

Pemex, which will have three seats on the Barreras board, has identified two possible locations in Mexico for a shipyard, with the final decision hinging on the presence of associated industries in these areas, Mr. Roa said.

The technical cooperation agreement could lead to the transfer of workers from Mexico to Spain and in the other direction.

Meantime, a joint bid by Barreras and Spanish shipbuilder Navantia to build two flotels for Pemex is in second place in the financial area but should end up with “good points” in the technical area, Mr. Roa said.