Rio, 12/22/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Along with the construction of the P-52 platform, Petrobras has announced it will be moving into the second phase of its support vessel fleet renewal (Plano de Renovação da sua Frota de Embarcações de Apoio Marítimo) which began in 1999. The plan involves competitive bidding for the construction and freighting of up to 18 support vessels, and the modernization of 21 others. The total to be spent on the 39 vessels is around US$40 million, creating 400 direct jobs, and another 1,200 indirect jobs. When the vessels are ready they will employ some 1,000 workers. (AB)