From Diesel to Clean Fuel: Port of Açu Begins Testing Phase with Biofuels on Vessels and Becomes Example of Decarbonization in Brazilian Maritime Sector

Written by Caio Aviz

Published on 11/09/2025 at 10:36

Embarcações no Porto do Açu participam de testes com HVO, reforçando a transição energética marítima no Brasil.

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Tests With HVO in September 2024 Mark Strategic Advance for Decarbonization in the Fluminense Port Sector

In September 2024, in the northern Fluminense region, a movement began to accelerate the decarbonization of the Brazilian maritime sector.

Additionally, OceanPact and Vast Infrastructure started tests with HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) on vessels operating in T-Oil.

The initiative symbolizes a structural change in port operations and positions Açu as a reference in sustainable logistics.

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Joint Initiative Paves the Way for Renewable Fuels

The tests are taking place at the Açu Liquid Terminal (TLA) and assess the technical and operational feasibility of using biodiesel.

According to Adriano Lima, Sustainability Director of Vast Infrastructure, the TLA serves as a hub for storing and moving liquids.

Thus, the agreement strengthens the national logistical position and reinforces the commitment to port decarbonization.

Previous Cooperation Paved the Way for Energy Transition

The partnership had already yielded results in 2023, at the very T-Oil.

That year, the Onshore Power Supply (OPS) was implemented to provide onshore electricity to vessels.

Thus, the resource allows engines to be turned off during docking and consistently reduces polluting emissions.

According to Fernando Borensztein, Sustainability and New Business Director of OceanPact, the new phase expands the advance. He states: “Reducing carbon emissions in our operations is a central part of the maritime energy transition.”

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Strategic Studies Reinforce Sustainable Role of Açu Port

Now, the agreement in September provides for technical, environmental, and operational studies on the replacement of fossil fuels with biodiesel.

Simultaneously, the surveys include calculations of emissions avoided with the use of OPS during docking.

Finally, the planning creates a reliable data foundation to guide the expansion of HVO in operations.

Expected Impacts on Logistics and Maritime Sector

Significant reduction of emissions in support vessels.
Strengthening of sustainable image of Açu Port.
National reference in low-carbon logistics.
Integration into established sustainability standards.

The project follows the movement to accelerate the energy transition in maritime transport.
Moreover, the OPS consolidates practices aligned with emission reduction during dockings at T-Oil.

The Future of Açu Port as a Sustainable Reference

In summary, the combination of HVO with the OPS infrastructure transforms Açu into a national laboratory for innovation. Based on the results of the tests started in September 2024, the model could be expanded to other terminals and routes. Therefore, the integration of innovation, infrastructure, and sustainability highlights Brazil’s potential in the regional energy transition.

So, should Brazil accelerate the adoption of biodiesel in ports or gradually advance to ensure long-term sustainability?

From Diesel to Clean Fuel: Port of Açu Begins Testing Phase with Biofuels on Vessels and Becomes Example of Decarbonization in Brazilian Maritime Sector

Tests With HVO in September 2024 Mark Strategic Advance for Decarbonization in the Fluminense Port Sector

Joint Initiative Paves the Way for Renewable Fuels

Previous Cooperation Paved the Way for Energy Transition

Strategic Studies Reinforce Sustainable Role of Açu Port

Expected Impacts on Logistics and Maritime Sector

The Future of Açu Port as a Sustainable Reference

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From Diesel to Clean Fuel: Port of Açu Begins Testing Phase with Biofuels on Vessels and Becomes Example of Decarbonization in Brazilian Maritime Sector

Tests With HVO in September 2024 Mark Strategic Advance for Decarbonization in the Fluminense Port Sector

Joint Initiative Paves the Way for Renewable Fuels

Previous Cooperation Paved the Way for Energy Transition

Strategic Studies Reinforce Sustainable Role of Açu Port

Expected Impacts on Logistics and Maritime Sector

The Future of Açu Port as a Sustainable Reference

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Norway is drilling 27 kilometers of rock 392 meters below the bottom of a fjord to build the world’s largest and deepest underwater road tunnel — when completed, a 21-hour journey will be reduced to 10.

Chinese engineers begin filling a 217-meter dam at an altitude of 3,000 meters and prepare a 2,240 MW hydroelectric power plant to integrate hydropower, solar, and wind energy in the upper Jinsha.

A German architect built a cylindrical house in 1994 that rotates to follow the sun throughout the day, generates 5 times more energy than it consumes, and was the world’s first energy-positive house.

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