In September, OceanPact and Vast Infraestrutura will begin testing hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) on vessels operating at the Port of Açu. The two companies have signed an agreement to promote the use of biofuels at the port complex, which is located in northern Rio de Janeiro State.

The initiative aims to test the feasibility of using biofuels to supply OceanPact vessels operating at Vast’s Oil Transshipment Terminal, contributing to the decarbonization of operations. Refueling will take place at Vast’s Açu Liquid Terminal.

“This terminal will provide the necessary infrastructure to boost the use of biofuels, as well as functioning as a hub for storing and handling a diverse range of liquids. The agreement reinforces our strategic position in the Brazilian logistics chain and our important role in the decarbonization of the maritime sector,” said Adriano Lima, Vast Infraestrutura’s sustainability director.

The companies previously collaborated on the implementation of an onshore power supply system for these vessels, currently in operation at Vast’s Oil Transshipment Terminal. This system reduces engine running time during docking, thereby cutting emissions.

“Reducing carbon emissions in our operations represents a concrete step forward in the maritime sector’s energy transition. We are excited about this initiative’s potential,” said Fernando Borensztein, OceanPact’s sustainability and new business director.

The strategic, technical, environmental and operational studies provided for in the agreement will assess the impact of partially or completely replacing fossil fuels with biofuels and calculate the emissions avoided through the use of the onshore power supply system.