Açu Petróleo’s Oil Terminal (T-OIL) started today its first transhipment operation with a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), after the DHT Redwood docked. The operation falls under the scope of the current contract with Petrogal.
VLCC oil tankers are among the largest in the world, with storage capacity of up to 2 million barrels of crude.
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Developed by Açu Petróleo (a partnership between Prumo Logística and Oiltanking), T-OIL is Brazil’s only private terminal with capacity to welcome VLCCs. Operations with this type of vessel became possible after R$ 400 million in investments disbursed last year, on dredging works that increased the terminal’s nominal depth to 25 meters.
Nowadays, Brazil is exporting 1 mbpd, and more than 2/3 of the volume is exported on VLCCs.
“Our first VLCC to dock is a milestone for Açu Petróleo. We started operations in August 2016 and made a lot of progress in developing the terminal. Today, T-OIL is the best alternative for crude exports from Brazil, combining operational excellence, safety and efficiency,” said Açu Petróleo CEO Victor Snabaitis Bomfim.
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At T-OIL, transhipment is carried out in an area sheltered by breakwater, enabling quick and safe operations, with efficiency and cost savings for customers, boosting the competitiveness of Brazilian crude. The operation is executed with one ship docked while the other is alongside of it, and both are surrounded by contention barriers to prevent spillages at sea. This type of operation allows greater security in transhipment in any season.
The terminal is authorized to handle up to 1.2 mbpd and includes an area that is licensed for future investments in crude storage and treatment. The construction of an oil treatment unit with storage tanks will contribute to attract more customers that require this kind of service to consolidate their products before sale.
