This month, Wilson Sons received ANP approval to carry out the first tests on the use of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) in the Brazilian maritime sector, with efen and PdA as partners.
HVO, also known as renewable diesel or green diesel, will be imported by efen for testing on Wilson Sons tugboats, which operate in the Port of Açu, in São João da Barra (RJ), as a replacement for marine diesel oil. The liquid handling operation will be carried out at the Açu Liquids Terminal (TLA), owned by Vast Infraestrutura.
“Our expectation, after the test period, is to expand the distribution of HVO to Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) and other offshore support vessels in the Port of Açu, promoting the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the oil and gas chain,” says Rafael Pinheiro, efen’s CEO.
The study on green diesel at Açu includes efficiency tests, the effects on maintenance processes and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The use of fuel can reduce carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) by more than 80%, considering the complete life cycle of the input*.
“Our decarbonization agenda aims not only to build more efficient tugboats, but also to reduce the environmental impact of our fleet of more than 80 vessels. In this context, HVO has emerged as a promising solution, as it is a drop-in fuel that can be used without adaptations to our equipment, representing an important alternative for the port support industry,” says Marcio Castro, executive director of Wilson Sons’ Tugs division.
Although the maritime sector is already considered the least polluting per ton of cargo per kilometer traveled, accounting for only 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions**, it still plays a significant role. The strategy of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) sets a net-zero target for GHG emissions from international maritime transport by 2050, which can be accelerated with the adoption of HVO.
“We want to be inducers of projects for the energy transition of emission-intensive sectors, such as maritime. In the future, we can house HVO plants and other low-carbon fuels,” says Eugenio Figueiredo, CEO of the Port of Açu.
Fuel tests on tugboats
Vast and Wilson Sons also recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the aim of carrying out tests for the use of biofuels in the supply of Wilson Sons tugboats that operate at T-Oil, Vast’s oil terminal in the Port of Açu. The agreement aims to develop and offer logistics infrastructure services that contribute to reducing the carbon intensity of the two companies’ operations.
In the future, Vast is considering using the TLA’s tank structure, which is yet to be built, to store and add biocomponents to marine fuels and capture volumes of liquids that are not yet foreseen at the Terminal.
“The TLA will provide the necessary infrastructure to boost the use of biofuels, such as HVO, as well as functioning as a hub to store and move a diverse range of liquids, such as clear fuels, lubricants, ethanol and chemicals. The agreements signed reinforce our strategic position in the national logistics chain and our important role in decarbonizing the maritime sector,” said Eduardo Goulart, Commercial Director of Vast Infraestrutura.
About efen
Efen is one of the country’s leading suppliers of marine fuel and bunkering logistics services, with more than ten years of history (as NFX). It is a JV between bp and Prumo Logística, benchmarks in their respective markets. efen operates in the port of Açu and offshore, in the areas of influence of the Campos, Santos and Espírito Santo basins. It has two boats dedicated to customer service and has already carried out more than 5,000 refuelings in complete safety.
About Wilson Sons
Recognized for its extensive experience of more than 187 years, Wilson Sons has a national reach and offers complete solutions to more than 5,000 clients, including shipowners, importers and exporters, the offshore energy industry, renewable energy projects, the agribusiness sector, as well as other participants in various segments of the economy.
About Vast Infraestrutura
Vast Infraestrutura, a Prumo Group company, is the country’s leading oil transshipment company and offers infrastructure and logistics solutions for the safe, clean, efficient and sustainable movement of liquids. With activities starting in 2016, the company owns the only private terminal in the country capable of operating VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) class ships. Currently, Vast’s oil terminal (T-Oil) is already responsible for around 40% of all oil exports in Brazil. The company is also expanding its portfolio of services by combining pipeline and storage tank operations aimed at the oil and other liquids market, with the Açu Liquids Terminal (TLA) and the SPOT Project.
