The moment of truth is finally here for corruption-riddled Sete Brasil

It might file for bankruptcy in a week.

The biggest customer of Singapore’s two largest rig builders might just have a week left before it finally files for bankruptcy.

A report by Reuters said that Sete Brasil plans to file for bankruptcy protection if Petrobras, its sole client, fails to present a final lease contract proposal within seven days. Sete Brasil had been mulling a bankruptcy filing after being embroiled in a corruption scandal, which was worsened by the collapse in oil prices.

Sete Brasil is the single largest client of local shipyards Keppel O&M and Sembcorp Marine. Keppel has $6.2 billion worth of contracts for six semi-submersible rigs, while SembMarine’s order book has seven drillships worth $7 billion in total from the company.

Both shipyards have taken hefty provisions for these projects in the fourth quarter of 2015, with Keppel and Sembcorp setting aside $230m and $329m, respectively, for the projects.

Analysts warn that the Sete Brasil saga will eat up an even greater chunk of rigbuilders’ profits in coming quarters.

“[For SembMarine], we now expect Sete Brasil to cancel at least 4 out of the 7 drillships given the corruption turmoil still embroiling Petrobras and the weakness in the Brazilian economy,” said KGI Fraser analyst Joel Ng.

“The uncertainty in Brazil is worrisome. O&M outlook is also plagued by the depressed oil prices. Rigbuilding is entering a prolonged cyclical downturn and competition is intensified,” said DBS analysts Janice Chua and Pei Hwa Ho in a report.

 

Join Singapore Business Review community
Since you're here...

...there are many ways you can work with us to advertise your company and connect to your customers. Our team can help you dight and create an advertising campaign, in print and digital, on this website and in print magazine.

We can also organize a real life or digital event for you and find thought leader speakers as well as industry leaders, who could be your potential partners, to join the event. We also run some awards programmes which give you an opportunity to be recognized for your achievements during the year and you can join this as a participant or a sponsor.

Let us help you drive your business forward with a good partnership!