APS Signs Agreement with European Port to Promote Sustainability

The Santos Port Authority (APS) took a significant step forward in its sustainability strategy by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Belgium’s North Sea Port on Tuesday morning (6). The agreement outlines cooperative actions focused on implementing green ports, using clean energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen, and initiating initiatives involving carbon capture and environmental monitoring.

The initiative also aims to build a partnership network to develop more sustainable maritime corridors aligned with global decarbonization goals.

The partnership reinforces both ports’ commitment to leading the transition toward greener operations by sharing knowledge, technologies, and strategies related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and circular economy practices.

APS’s Director of Operations, Beto Mendes, represented the authority at the event. “The Port of Santos is Brazil’s largest and busiest port and has consistently sought to adopt sustainable practices and innovative technologies. We want to be a model for how major ports can lead this transition, aligning with global efforts in decarbonization and renewable energy,” he said.

APS President Anderson Pomini also emphasized the agreement’s importance: “With this signing, the Port of Santos commits to building a better and greener future for global maritime transport, which handles 90% of the world’s trade.”

The agreement is valid for five years.

Sail-Powered Ship

The agreement was signed as the Atlantic Orchard—a pioneering vessel powered by eSAIL technology—was inaugurated. This innovation enables reduced fossil fuel consumption through wind-assisted propulsion. The ship, used to transport juice, is equipped with four 26-meter sails and will soon depart from Santos for the United States.

For the Port of Santos, the arrival of this wind-powered vessel marks a strategic milestone in its journey toward leadership in sustainable logistics. The port aims to remain at the forefront of decarbonized maritime transport, supporting global emissions-reduction efforts and promoting a greener economy.

The Port of Santos already stands out in this field by using clean energy generated by the Itatinga Hydroelectric Plant in Bertioga. Since 2024, APS has also supplied electric power to docked tugboats, allowing these vessels to keep their refrigeration and onboard systems running without relying on fossil fuels.

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