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Pioneering Initiative Uses Recycled Cooking Oil to Create Sustainable Fuel and Reinforces Decarbonization Goals Until 2050
Petrobras announced on Thursday (24) a new commercial partnership with Vale to supply a ship with bunker fuel mixed with renewable content. The initiative uses used cooking oil as raw material for biodiesel production.
Composition of the Fuel and Operation in Singapore
The fuel, known as Very Low Sulfur (VLS) B24, consists of 24% biodiesel and 76% fossil fuel oil. This product was developed by Petrobras Singapore, the representative of the Brazilian state-owned company in the Asian country.
The bulk carrier Luise Oldendorff, hired by Vale, was supplied in Singapore last Tuesday (22).
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Environmental Impact and Goal of the Initiative
Traditional bunker fuel is a petroleum-derived fuel used in maritime vessels and is a source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, such as carbon dioxide (CO2).
The addition of renewable content in VLS B24 helps reduce the emission of these gases, which are linked to global warming and climate change.
The partnership is still in the testing phase and is carried out through Petrobras’ subsidiary in Singapore. According to the state-owned company’s statement, the initiative “continues the strategic partnership between Petrobras and Vale,” focusing on more competitive products and advancing decarbonization efforts.
Alignment with Global Emission Goals
The development of VLS 24, as it is referred to, represents a step within the global effort to reduce emissions in the maritime sector.
The project aligns with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) agreement, which aims to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions in maritime transport by 2050, including through compensations.
The IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that regulates global maritime transport. Brazil is one of the 176 member countries of the agency. If the agreement is ratified, it will be adopted in October and will come into effect in 2027.
Commitments of Petrobras and Vale
Petrobras highlighted that the partnership also aligns with Vale’s goal of reducing its direct and indirect GHG emissions by 33% by 2030. The state-owned company emphasized that the initiative “is aligned with the strategy of developing and offering new products, towards a low-carbon market.”
Petrobras’ president, Magda Chambriard, emphasized that the company is investing in the development of more sustainable fuels. According to her, the goal is “to deliver greener products to the market and reinforce our decarbonization strategy.”
Gustavo Pimenta, CEO of Vale, stated that the mining company is exploring various alternatives to reduce emissions in maritime transport. According to him, the company is working on “the development of multi-fuel solutions for new and existing ships.”
Previous Experience with Biobunker
Petrobras’ first experience with biobunker supply occurred in February of this year. At that time, the ship André Rebouças, from Transpetro, was supplied with VLS in Singapore. This previous experience also integrated the testing process for the new fuel.
Petrobras reiterated that the initiative aims to innovate to generate value for business and enable low-carbon solutions, within its strategy to expand the portfolio in new energies and decarbonization.
With information from DC Mais.
