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Vast Infraestrutura, formerly known as Açu Petróleo, announced a three-year agreement to carry out oil transhipment operations for PRIO at Porto do Açu, in São João da Barra (RJ). The agreement will allow PRIO's production in Albacora Leste, in the Campos Basin, to be exported using Suezmax and VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) vessels.
With this agreement, Vast Infraestrutura opens new opportunities for the oil and gas sector. The Port of Açu Terminal, owned by Vast, is the only private terminal in Brazil which has a license to handle 1,2 million barrels per day.
In addition, it has the capacity to receive VLCC class vessels, with up to 2 million barrels each. This achievement reinforces the company's commitment to offering safe and environmentally responsible services, in addition to demonstrating the growing confidence of the national market in Vast, which plays an important role in Brazilian oil exports.
Vast and CNOOC extend partnership
The renewal of the partnership between the Company and Vast for oil transshipment operations was an important milestone in the companies' history. Since mid-2022, safety measures and care for the environment have been implemented with operational excellence and resulted in a success that culminated in the signing of the contract amendment in January of this year. This renewal reinforces the commitment of both parties to do more and more for a better quality of life for everyone.
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The transfer of oil between vessels, known as ship to ship, is an operation that allows logistical agility and cost reduction. This operation makes it possible to deliver fuel quickly and efficiently, providing great benefits to companies that work with this type of cargo.
Waterway operators are investing in ship to ship (ship to ship) to ensure greater efficiency when offshore oil transport. This technique consists of the direct transfer of crude oil produced offshore between vessels, reducing costs and displacements.
In Brazil, it is common to see these operations happening mainly in the North and Southeast regions – being a viable alternative for the flow of crude oil production. According to the ANP (Oil National Agency, Natural gas and Biofuels), there is no precise data on how many operations are carried out annually.
Carrying out ship to ship operations has three different modalities, all subject to the IBAMA regulations. Operations do not allow transfers in sheltered areas less than 50 km from the coast, close to marine conservation units and seamounts.
Companies with ships flying the Brazilian flag registered with the SNTPP and CTF/APP can be authorized to carry out the activity, provided they meet the requirements of the Brazilian Navy, such as the presence of a dedicated vessel, qualified personnel for emergencies and a kit to prevent pollution water.
Cabotage and long haul
Ship to ship operations are attracting the interest of cabotage and long haul shipping companies, such as Posidonia Shipping & Trading. As of 2019, the company will operate in the oil transfer market. Despite the gains that this brings to the sector, operations still face difficulties in offering specialized vessels.
For these tasks, it is necessary to rely on the Suezmax, oil tankers capable of carrying between 140 and 175 tons. The vice-president of Syndarma, Luis Fernando Resano, explains that there are still no ships of this type manufactured in Brazil, but that there is a project to build five units.
First Petronas operation at the Vast terminal – February 2023
