Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, announced an order worth more than £100 million to supply integrated power and propulsion systems for seven offshore drilling vessels in Brazil.

The ships will be built at the Atlântico Sul shipyard for Brazilian oil company Petrobras. Rolls-Royce will equip each of the seven vessels, which will satisfy local content requirements, with six large thrusters and six Bergen diesel generator sets. Together, the systems will be used to propel the vessels to and from drill sites and to accurately maintain their positioning during drilling operations.

Tony Wood, Rolls-Royce, President – Marine said: "We are delighted to announce this significant order in Brazil for our new customer,Atlântico Sul. This contract builds further on our strong reputation for innovation and technology, and on our market-leading position for power and propulsion systems in the offshore drilling sector."

Petrobras’ new drill ships will primarily support extraction from wells along the pre-salt layer, located 2,000-3,000 metres below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, offshore Brazil.

Mr Otoniel Silva Reis, CEO, Atlântico Sul, said: "We look forward to working with Rolls-Royce on this project. Their vast experience and expertise in providing highly innovative and reliable power and propulsion solutions, particularly in the mobile drilling sector, is a tremendous asset as we build these highly advanced drill ships for Petrobras."

In support of production activities around the world, Rolls-Royce has delivered propulsion systems for more than 140 mobile drilling units, with systems on order for a further 30 units.

Additionally, 45 Rolls-Royce designed UT offshore supply vessels have been built in Brazil to support oil and gas exploration and production. A further 12 vessels have been ordered, including four UT 775 SE platform supply vessels by Bravante Group in late October.

Rolls-Royce has a long and successful relationship with Brazil dating back over 50 years, with facilities in Sao Bernardo do Campo, Rio de Janeiro, Niteroi and Macae.

Rolls-Royce is further investing in Brazil and will open a new facility in 2013 in Santa Cruz, Rio de Janeiro. This facility will be dedicated to the assembly and testing of RB211 industrial gas turbines. The first batch of equipment to be produced in Santa Cruz has already been ordered by Petrobras in a US$650-million contract signed in 2011.