New Port to Put Espírito Santo on the Oil Export Map

With the growth of oil production and exports in Brazil, there is an increasing need to expand the logistics infrastructure to support this demand. In this context, Espírito Santo is preparing to receive a new and modern oil and derivatives terminal: the Praia Mole Liquid Bulk Terminal (TGL), to be operated by Blue Terminals, a company of the Zmax Group – a consolidated player in Brazil’s oil and gas sector.

The project was presented to the state’s Vice Governor, Ricardo Ferraço, and the Secretary of economic development, Sérgio Vidigal. The facility will focus on ship-to-ship oil transfer operations at the Praia Mole Port in Vitória. The terminal will enable operations between large vessels while maintaining current operations at the Tubarão and Praia Mole ports. The location is strategic, protected by a breakwater (a maritime engineering structure typically made of stone or concrete), with a low incidence of currents and waves, ensuring safety and efficiency.

With an estimated investment of BRL 340 million, the terminal will be equipped to handle up to 14 million tons of oil per year – the equivalent of approximately 100 million barrels. “We’re talking about infrastructure designed to place Espírito Santo on the global oil export route. Today, the state is Brazil’s third-largest oil producer but exports only a small share of its production. This investment consolidates Espírito Santo’s position on the oil export map,” said Blue Terminals’ Executive Director, Bruno Fardin.

For Vice Governor Ricardo Ferraço, the arrival of the new port is significant for the state. “We celebrate this major investment for Espírito Santo, based on our natural vocation. This initiative will revitalize an underused area, generating jobs, quality work, income, and revenue for the municipalities of Vila Velha, Vitória, and Serra and the state. It’s an economic stimulus with direct impacts on social development,” he emphasized.

The Secretary of Economic Development believes implementing the Praia Mole Liquid Bulk Terminal marks a transformative investment for Espírito Santo, solidifying the state as Brazil’s new oil export hub.

“With a strategic location, Espírito Santo is the closest point to Asia for Brazilian exports, making it highly competitive globally. The new terminal combines cutting-edge technology, operational safety, and logistical efficiency to meet growing industry demand while channeling BRL 340 million in investments, generating thousands of jobs, and increasing royalty revenues for municipalities like Vitória, Serra, and Vila Velha. It’s a major step forward that boosts Espírito Santo’s leadership with sustainable development and business attraction,” said Sérgio Vidigal.

In addition to representing a major logistical leap, the new terminal has the potential to generate significant economic impacts for Espírito Santo. The projected throughput could result in an increase of approximately BRL 80 million per year in oil royalties, distributed among Vitória (40%), Serra (30%), and Vila Velha (30%), based on average 2023 price and volume parameters.

“Espírito Santo has a privileged location, a skilled workforce, and a solid port culture. We are confident that the Praia Mole Terminal will become a new milestone in the state’s economy,” said Fardin. According to studies by a consulting firm, the project is expected to create 4,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs.

The project has already reached an advanced stage of technical maturity, with conceptual engineering completed, 44 approved maneuverability simulations, and an ongoing environmental licensing process with IEMA. Operations are expected to begin in the second half of 2027, with commercial negotiations underway and letters of intent signed with industry players.

A memorandum of understanding has also been signed between Blue Terminals and VPorts – the Port Authority and concessionaire of the Praia Mole breakwater.

VPorts President Gustavo Serrão also participated in the investment announcement. “VPorts has signed an MoU with Blue Terminals. This is another achievement for the company that has managed the ports of Vitória, Vila Velha, and Barra do Riacho for more than two years. One of the mandates in VPorts’ concession agreement is to develop new business across the ports we manage. Evidence of this effort includes the 14 lease agreements already signed since the beginning of the concession. We are committed to Espírito Santo’s development and advancing partnerships with companies aiming to operate in the state,” he detailed.

The new port’s operations will be carried out under strict international safety standards, as required by the IMO (International Maritime Organization) and Brazilian regulatory agencies such as the Navy and ANTAQ. Distinctive features include double-hull vessels, automated safety and containment systems, an operational control center, and rigorous monitoring and maintenance protocols.

“Our top priority is to ensure a safe and sustainable operation, using cutting-edge technology and full compliance with national and international standards. That is Blue Terminals’ commitment to responsible development,” reaffirmed Bruno Fardin.

Between 2017 and 2024, over 5,900 ship-to-ship operations were conducted in Brazil without any major incidents, demonstrating the robustness of this model. Environmental safety is a key project priority, and the project will feature the most advanced and efficient systems to ensure low-risk operations.

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Praia Mole Liquid Bulk Terminal (TGL)

Operator: Blue Terminals, part of the Zmax Group

Location: Praia Mole Port, in Vitória (ES)

Operation type: Ship-to-ship oil transfer

Investment and Capacity

• Estimated investment: BRL 340 million
• Capacity: up to 14 million tons/year, approximately 100 million barrels
• Operation type: Ship-to-ship oil transfer

Economic Impact

• BRL 268 million/year in added value to Espírito Santo’s economy (GDP boost)
• BRL 156 million/year in taxes collected (PIS, COFINS, IR, and ISS)

Projected royalties: BRL 80 million/year

• Vitória: 40%
• Serra: 30%
• Vila Velha: 30%

The terminal will position Espírito Santo as a new oil export hub

Job Creation

• An estimated 4,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs are related to the project launch

Source: Government of Espírito Santo

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