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Efen and Wilson Sons successfully conducted Brazil’s first HVO fueling operation on a marine vessel.
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The test took place at the Açu Liquid Bulk Terminal and was approved by Brazil’s ANP in February.
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The initiative aims to reduce GHG emissions and test the operational efficiency of renewable diesel.
In late March, Efen (formerly NXT), in collaboration with Wilson Sons carried out Brazil’s first-ever fueling of a marine vessel with HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). The milestone event was conducted at the Açu Liquid Bulk Terminal (TLA), owned by Vast Infraestrutura. The operation marks a pivotal point in Brazil’s maritime energy transition, being the first test of renewable diesel in the sector, following approval by Brazil’s National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), according to Marine Log.
The HVO was imported by Efen, a joint venture between BP and Prumo Logística, for trial use on Wilson Sons’ tugboats operating in the Port of Açu.
Driving Decarbonization Efforts
“This is a major milestone for Efen and all other companies involved and is a relevant step towards decarbonization in the Brazilian maritime and port sector,” said Efen CEO Rafael Pinheiro. “We supplied the first cubic meters of HVO and expect to expand the supply to other vessels of different sizes in the Port of Açu shortly.”
The pilot project will examine the fuel’s efficiency, impact on maintenance, and potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Promising Environmental Impact
According to Wilson Sons, HVO has the potential to cut CO₂ equivalent emissions by over 80% over its life cycle. This figure could improve further with the development of local HVO production in Brazil, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional marine fuels.
With a fleet of more than 80 vessels, Wilson Sons views this collaboration as a vital contribution to its sustainability goals.
“We believe that using HVO, a fuel that is 100% compatible with the engines in our fleet, is a significant step in our emissions reduction journey,” said Wilson Sons Executive Director Marcio Castro. “Only with partners aligned towards a more sustainable operation will we achieve our decarbonization goals. With Porto do Açu, Vast, and efen, we can be sure that we are on the right path.”
This pioneering initiative sets a new benchmark for green innovation in Latin America’s maritime industry, reinforcing Brazil’s commitment to cleaner fuel solutions and a lower-emission future.
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Source: Marine Log
