Transpetro Registered Significant Growth in Ship to Ship Operations in 2024, Strengthening Its Acting in the Maritime Sector.
Transpetro, the logistics and transportation subsidiary of Petrobras, recorded a 9.2% increase in ship-to-ship transfer operations in 2024, according to a report released in February 2025. This growth aligns with the company’s strategy to expand its client portfolio and strengthen its presence in the maritime transportation sector. Furthermore, the expansion reflects the company’s adaptation to new market demands, as reported by the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
Expansion of Ship to Ship Operations in Brazil
- 9.2% Increase: In 2024, the company conducted 959 transfer operations, according to the National Agency of Waterway Transportation (ANTAQ).
- Growth in the North Region: The number of operations increased by 32%, making the region essential for the company’s logistics.
- Strengthening the Northeast: Ceará and São Luís recorded significant growth, establishing themselves as logistical hubs.
- Cost Reduction: The ship-to-ship strategy enables savings of up to 30% in the transportation of oil and derivatives.
The growth in operations mainly occurs due to the expansion of infrastructure and increased logistical efficiency. In this way, Transpetro strengthens its competitiveness and ensures more efficient fuel supply.
Advantages of the Ship to Ship Strategy
The expansion of ship to ship operations is part of a logistics planning that aims for benefits such as:
-
Luxury cruise becomes a scene of tension with suspected hantavirus, confirmed deaths, and almost 150 passengers stranded at sea awaiting urgent rescue.
-
Amid the tension in global maritime routes, one of Brazil’s most important ports is gaining strength by receiving world-class ships of up to 170,000 tons and opening a new path for exports and imports.
-
A 100% electric cruise ship for 1,856 passengers, with no engines and no chimneys, promises to reduce emissions by up to 95% and has already been designed for routes such as Barcelona-Rome, paving the way for a new phase in European maritime tourism.
-
Ocean Giant Could Change Everything: Nuclear Container Ship Project Promises to Transport 16,000 Containers Without Using Fossil Fuels
✔ Greater Efficiency – The possibility of direct transfer between ships reduces the need for additional port infrastructure. ✔ Reduction of Operating Costs – The optimized process avoids expenses with docking and land movement. ✔ Improvement in Supply to Remote Regions – The model facilitates distribution to hard-to-reach locations, such as the Amazon region. ✔ Meeting the Growing Demand of the Sector – The increase in domestic production requires more efficient logistical solutions, according to the National Agency of Oil, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP).
With this approach, Transpetro not only expands its operational capacity but also significantly enhances safety in fuel transportation. Moreover, this initiative contributes to logistical efficiency and reinforces the company’s commitment to quality and reliability in operations.
North Region: Logistical Challenges and Adaptation to Climate Conditions
The severe drought in the Amazon Basin affected fuel transportation in 2024, according to a report from the National Water Agency (ANA). To mitigate impacts, Transpetro implemented measures such as:
- Utilization of smaller vessels to operate in areas with shallower depth.
- Transfer of cargo to larger ships through ship to ship.
- Increase in the number of operations in the region, from 247 to 325 in one year.
These actions ensured the continuous supply of LPG, fuels for power generation, and petroleum derivatives, minimizing the impacts of the drought.
Northeast Records Significant Growth in Operations
In addition to the expansion in the North Region, the Northeast also made significant advances:
Ceará: growth from 2 to 14 operations. São Luís (MA): increase from 4 to 17 operations. Porto de Itaqui: expansion projects will allow for simultaneous operations.
The strengthening of these routes reflects Transpetro’s commitment to improving logistical infrastructure and the flow of national production.
Investments and Strategic Partnerships
To maintain its position in the maritime sector, Transpetro continues investing in infrastructure and strategic partnerships:
- Partnership with the Imetame Group: Evaluation of participation in a new port terminal in Espírito Santo.
- Expansion in Porto de Itaqui: New investments will allow simultaneous operations for greater efficiency.
- Agreement with Pré-Sal Petróleo S.A. (PPSA): Planning of transfer services and logistical solutions to optimize oil movement.
These initiatives reinforce the relevance of Transpetro in the transportation of fuels and in national maritime logistics.
Perspectives for the Future
The results obtained demonstrate the importance of ship to ship expansion for the sector. Currently, Transpetro operates with:
- 48 Terminals (27 waterway and 21 land).
- 8,500 kilometers of pipelines for efficient transport of fuels.
- 33 Ships integrated into its operational logistics.
Expectations for the Coming Years:
- Expansion of Operations to serve new strategic regions.
- Investments in Technology to enhance efficiency and safety.
- Improvement of Operational Safety to reduce environmental risks.
- New Partnerships to drive sustainable growth in the maritime sector.
The expansion of ship to ship operations, therefore, significantly strengthens Transpetro’s competitiveness, as it contributes to more efficient and sustainable transportation. Additionally, the company maintains its commitment to logistical improvement, continuously seeking innovations and solutions that are genuinely aligned with market needs, both national and international.

Be the first to react!