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Petrobras Advances in the Global Market by Supplying VLS B24 Bunker with Renewable Content to Odfjell, Complying with European Standards and Strengthening Its Low-Carbon Maritime Fuel Strategy
On January 15, 2026, Petrobras announced a strategic contract to supply VLS B24 bunker with renewable content to the Norwegian company Odfjell, one of the largest global operators in the maritime transportation of chemicals and liquid bulk. According to the company on its official website, the operation marks a significant advancement in the international presence of the Brazilian state-owned enterprise and strengthens its position in the European market for sustainable and low-carbon fuels.
Petrobras Expands International Presence with VLS B24 Bunker with Renewable Content
The agreement provides for the supply of up to 12,000 tons of fuel throughout 2026, with supply conducted by dedicated barges from the Terminal de Rio Grande (TERIG) in Rio Grande do Sul. Additionally, the initiative aligns with the environmental requirements of the European Union and Petrobras’s 2026–2030 Business Plan, which prioritizes decarbonization solutions and new energies.
The signing of the contract with Odfjell represents a concrete step for Petrobras to expand its presence in the international market for sustainable maritime fuels. The supplied VLS B24 bunker is a VLSFO (Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil) formulated with 24% biodiesel and 76% mineral oil produced at the company’s refineries, maintaining low sulfur content and high operational performance.
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This fuel strictly meets international quality and sustainability standards, allowing Petrobras to compete in highly regulated markets, such as the European market. The operation positions the company as a reliable supplier of low-carbon solutions for global maritime transport, a strategic sector in the energy transition.
Furthermore, the contract reinforces the state-owned company’s strategy to diversify its operations beyond the domestic market, strengthening commercial relationships with major international operators.
What Is the VLS B24 Bunker and Why Is Renewable Content Strategic
The VLS B24 bunker is a maritime fuel developed to meet the sector’s most rigorous environmental requirements. Its composition, with 24% renewable biodiesel content, contributes to reducing the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions over the product’s life cycle.
The fuel has International Sustainability and Carbon Certification – EU (ISCC EU), a global system that ensures traceability, compliance with sustainability criteria, and emission control throughout the biofuel production chain. This certification is particularly relevant for the European market, where environmental regulations are stricter.
The VLS B24 enables shipowners to meet regulatory requirements without compromising the operational efficiency of their vessels, making it a practical solution for the gradual decarbonization of the maritime sector.
Compliance with FuelEU Maritime and Environmental Requirements of the European Union
The supply of VLS B24 bunker with renewable content directly meets the requirements of FuelEU Maritime, a European Union regulation that sets progressive targets for reducing the greenhouse gas intensity of fuels used by vessels calling at European ports.
This regulation encourages the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels, pushing shipowners to adapt their fleets and supply chains. In this context, Petrobras’s product emerges as a viable, certified alternative that aligns with European climate goals.
By offering a fuel compatible with these requirements, Petrobras enhances its international competitiveness and strengthens its image as a company committed to sustainable practices.
Odfjell and the Relevance of the Partnership with Petrobras
Odfjell is a Norwegian company with a global reach, recognized as one of the largest maritime carriers of liquid chemicals and bulk products in the world. Its fleet consists of more than 70 ships, operating on strategic routes in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
The company transports around 600 different types of liquids, including chemicals, acids, edible oils, and light petroleum derivatives, servicing everyone from large oil companies to smaller logistics operators. In Brazil, Odfjell has an office in São Paulo, supporting its operations in South America.
The choice of Petrobras as the supplier of VLS B24 bunker reinforces the credibility of Brazilian fuel in the international arena and consolidates a partnership based on innovation and sustainability.
Logistics, Supply, and the Role of the Terminal de Rio Grande
The supply of VLS B24 bunker will be conducted by dedicated barges from the Terminal de Rio Grande (TERIG) in Rio Grande do Sul. It is at this location that the mixing process of the fuel takes place, ensuring quality control and compliance with international standards.
This logistical structure allows for operational efficiency, risk reduction, and complete traceability of the product. The use of existing infrastructure strengthens Petrobras’s competitiveness in the supply of maritime fuels and creates value for the national logistics chain. The adopted model demonstrates the company’s ability to integrate production, mixing, and delivery into an operation aligned with global market requirements.
Petrobras, Odfjell, and Brazil–Norway Cooperation in Sustainable Solutions
The relationship between Petrobras and Odfjell is part of a broader context of cooperation between Brazil and Norway for the development of sustainable solutions in the energy sector. This partnership gained momentum with the establishment of a green corridor between the two countries, formalized by a Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2025.
The agreement encourages the circulation of vessels powered by low-carbon fuels, promoting technological innovation and emission reductions in maritime transport. The contract for the supply of VLS B24 bunker is one of the first practical results of this international cooperation, reinforcing Brazil’s role in this global movement.
Petrobras’s Strategy for Low-Carbon Fuels
According to Petrobras, the commercialization of VLS B24 bunker with renewable content is aligned with the 2026–2030 Business Plan, which prioritizes decarbonization projects, innovation, and new energies. The initiative generates economic value while enabling concrete solutions to reduce emissions in the maritime sector.
The strategy signals a significant shift in the company’s positioning, which is becoming more actively involved in supplying sustainable fuels to demanding international markets.
A Milestone in the Energy Transition of Maritime Transport
The contract signed between Petrobras and Odfjell represents a milestone for Brazil’s entry into the global market for sustainable maritime fuels. By supplying VLS B24 bunker with renewable content to one of the world’s largest shipowners, the Brazilian state-owned company strengthens its international presence and demonstrates its technical, logistical, and environmental capabilities.
More than just a commercial operation, the agreement symbolizes a concrete advance in the energy transition of maritime transport, a sector responsible for a significant portion of global emissions. By aligning competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability, Petrobras enhances its role in a market that will become increasingly decisive for the future of energy and global logistics.
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