In late March, efen and Wilson Sons carried out the first HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) fuelling operation in Brazil’s maritime sector. The operation was conducted at the Açu Liquid Bulk Terminal (TLA), owned by Vast Infraestrutura.
Approved in February by Brazil’s National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), this is the first HVO testing on vessels operating in Brazil. A substitute to marine diesel oil and known as renewable diesel or green diesel, HVO was imported by efen for tests on Wilson Sons’ tugs operating in the Port of Açu, in São João da Barra (Rio de Janeiro).
“This is a major milestone for efen and all other companies involved and is a relevant step towards decarbonization in the Brazilian maritime and port sector. We supplied the first cubic meters of HVO and expect to expand the supply to other vessels of different sizes in the Port of Açu shortly,” efen CEO Rafael Pinheiro explains.
The green diesel study in Açu is expected to test efficiency, its effects on maintenance processes, and the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. HVO can reduce carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) emissions by more than 80%, considering the complete life cycle of the input. However, this reduction in the future may be even greater, considering local production in Brazil.
As a partner of efen, Wilson Sons expects that this initiative may contribute to the company’s carbon reduction goals in its fleet of more than 80 vessels.
“We believe that using HVO, a fuel that is 100% compatible with the engines in our fleet, is a significant step in our emissions reduction journey,” says Wilson Sons Executive Director Marcio Castro. “Only with partners aligned towards a more sustainable operation will we achieve our decarbonization goals. With Porto do Açu, Vast, and efen, we can be sure that we are on the right path,” he adds.
For Vast, this operation reinforces the leading role of the company’s Liquid Bulk Terminal (TLA), which provides the necessary infrastructure for the handling of biofuels, such as HVO.
“The TLA terminal should be enlarged to receive tanks to store and add biocomponents to marine fuels and capture bulk liquids that are not currently planned for the Terminal. We plan that in the coming years, Vast will have a hub operating a wide range of bulk liquids, such as clear fuels, lubricants, ethanol, and chemicals,” projects Eduardo Goulart, Commercial director of Vast Infraestrutura.
A platform for low-carbon projects, Port of Açu stresses the importance of introducing HVO in this industry.
“We are aware of the decarbonization goals in ports and the availability of HVO in Açu ensures that our partners and clients will carry out operations with reduced CO2eq emissions. We are working with global companies that have signed agreements with Açu to set up plants to produce non-fossil fuels based on green hydrogen and ammonia, in addition to HVO,” says Port of Açu CEO Eugenio Figueredo.
About efen
Efen is a leading supplier of fuel and maritime supply logistics services in Brazil, with over ten years of expertise (formerly NFX). It is a joint venture between bp and Prumo Logística, two major players in their respective markets. Efen operates in the Port of Açu and offshore areas in the Campos, Santos, and Espírito Santo Basins. It owns two vessels dedicated to customer service and has safely completed over 5,000 refuelling operations.
About Wilson Sons
Recognized for its extensive experience of more than 187 years, Wilson Sons is among the leading port and maritime logistics operators in Brazil. The company has a national reach and offers comprehensive solutions to over 5,000 clients, including shipping companies, importers and exporters, the offshore energy industry, renewable energy projects, the agribusiness sector, as well as other players across various economic segments.
About the Port of Açu
Located in the North of Rio de Janeiro, the Port of Açu is a leading deep-water industrial port facility in Latin America. In operation since 2014, it is managed by Porto do Açu Operações, a collaboration between Prumo Logística, controlled by EIG, and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International. It consists of 22 well-established companies, including clients and partners, several of which are world-class corporations. With established and developing mining and oil & gas activities, Açu plans to accelerate industrialization with a focus on low-carbon projects. It is recognized as the port of energy transition in Brazil.
About Vast Infraestrutura
Vast Infraestrutura, a Prumo Group company, is the leader in oil transshipment in Brazil and offers infrastructure and logistics solutions to support safe, clean, efficient, and sustainable liquid handling operations. Active since 2016, it owns Brazil’s only private terminal capable of operating VLCCs (Very Large Crude Carriers). Vast’s T-Oil terminal handles around 40% of all oil exports in Brazil. Vast is also expanding its service portfolio by combining pipeline and storage tank operations for oil and other liquids, with the Açu Liquid Bulk Terminal (TLA) and the SPOT Project.
