ANTAQ selects five ports to lead Brazil’s green hydrogen and decarbonization drive

The National Waterway Transport Agency (ANTAQ) approved Axis 3 of the “Diagnosis of Decarbonization, Infrastructure and Hydrogen Applications in Ports” last Thursday (9) during a board meeting.

At this stage, five ports were selected for a case study analyzing their experiences in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, advancing energy transition and decarbonization, and applying green hydrogen.

The selected ports were: Itaqui (MA), Pecém Private Use Terminal (CE), Paranaguá (PR), Santos (SP), and the Açu Private Use Terminal (RJ). These ports were chosen for their strong Environmental Performance Index (IDA) results, ongoing energy transition projects, and their experience in decarbonization and green hydrogen applications.

Director Caio Farias, the study’s rapporteur, emphasized that port decarbonization is essential to maintain Brazil’s competitiveness in global trade and to meet international climate goals.

He added that “the leadership of ANTAQ and the Ministry of Ports and Airports will be crucial to coordinate public policies, set progressive targets, regulate, oversee, and promote investments in sustainable infrastructure.”

He also highlighted the importance of “institutional efforts to enable international partnerships, economic incentives, and technical training, which are indispensable for ensuring an efficient and lasting energy transition, making Brazilian ports more resilient and aligned with global best practices.”

Decarbonization Incentives

All surveyed ports offer incentives for vessels with lower carbon footprints, such as tariff discounts or priority berthing, signaling a gradual alignment with global emission-reduction goals.

Another key aspect was the presence of Decarbonization Plans, which the evaluated ports considered an essential tool. The Açu Port already has a consolidated plan, while others are developing their documents.

Main initiatives include installing solar panels to generate clean energy, purchasing certified renewable energy, replacing combustion equipment with electric ones, modernizing electrical infrastructure, and developing strategic partnerships to assess and implement low-carbon fuels.

GHG Emissions

Among the five ports assessed, three have complete GHG emission inventories: Santos, Itaqui, and Açu. The other two are in the process of contracting this service.

The Açu Port stands out for having the most comprehensive inventory, including Scope 3 emissions—covering activities such as dredging and logistics transport, which account for the majority of total emissions.

Recommendations

The study recommends creating a National Green Hydrogen Plan and implementing tax incentives to accelerate the supply and adoption of clean fuels.

Public-private partnerships are also deemed crucial to developing infrastructure and green export corridors, while R&D investments can reduce costs and increase the competitiveness of sustainable technologies.

Regarding strategic partnerships, the study highlights the implementation of green transport corridors, helping cities and ports reduce global shipping emissions while improving air quality for coastal communities.

The project also presented a guide of best practices and recommendations for decarbonizing Brazil’s port sector, consolidating experiences and guidelines to promote decarbonization and energy transition.

Cooperation Agreement

The diagnosis was carried out under a Technical Cooperation Agreement (ACT) signed with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), covering three project axes. This is the third stage of the study, developed by the Agency.

Axis 1, completed in 2021, focused on reviewing international experiences, technical literature, and studies on energy transition and decarbonization in maritime transport and ports. Axis 2, developed jointly with GIZ and the Ministry of Ports and Airports and approved in July 2024, involved diagnosing port decarbonization.

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Source: Informativo dos Portos

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