Vibra expands Suape Base and consolidates the terminal as a strategic logistics hub for fuel and biofuel supply in the Northeast

Fuel distributor Vibra has completed the expansion of its Suape Base in the state of Pernambuco, in a strategic move that strengthens its logistics presence in Brazil’s Northeast and increases the region’s supply capacity. The facility operates under a logistics pool model, shared by Vibra, Raízen, and Ipiranga, which contributes to greater operational efficiency and optimization of the installed infrastructure. Total investments in the complex exceeded R$ 100 million.

The project marks a significant logistics milestone: the base’s total storage capacity increased from 142,542 m³ to 247,996 m³, following the construction of six 14,000 m³ tanks (flexible for anhydrous ethanol and gasoline), one 10,000 m³ tank for S10 diesel, and one 10,000 m³ tank for aviation kerosene (QAV). As a result, Suape becomes Vibra’s largest base in the country in terms of storage volume, consolidating itself as a reference logistics hub for tanker operations and large-scale fuel distribution across the Northeast.

“The expansion of the base represents a milestone in our logistics improvement journey. The project significantly increased product handling capacity, with a special focus on biofuels, making the unit a strategic hub for Vibra in the Northeast. It was a challenging delivery, carried out with high technical and safety standards in a continuous and complex operation,” said Daniel Drumond, Vibra’s Executive Vice President of Operations.

Ipiranga’s presence at the Suape Base reflects the company’s strategy of aligning logistics infrastructure with regional distribution flows. According to Sebastião Furquim, Vice President of Operations at Ipiranga, this approach is aligned with the company’s operational standards, which prioritize safety, efficiency, and supply continuity. “As one of the companies benefiting from the shared logistics pool operation, we contribute to the region’s development by keeping pace with the evolving demand for fuels and biofuels from our customers,” he said.

Raízen operates at the Suape Base through the logistics pool model, integrating the terminal’s infrastructure into its Northeast operations. “The expansion of the Suape Base strengthens a more efficient and integrated logistics model, which is essential to support Raízen’s growth in the Northeast. This expansion enhances operational gains and increases supply reliability, ensuring an excellent level of service for Raízen’s customers in the region,” said Leandro Silva, Raízen’s Operations Director.

Infrastructure

Shipping capacity was expanded with the installation of three new bottom-loading platforms (a safer, more efficient system for fuel loading), bringing the total to 10 loading islands.

The infrastructure also received a new modular and compact electrical substation, a water and oil separator, a pump yard, and an access gatehouse. The firefighting system was installed as a standalone unit, operating with a 10,000 m³ water tank, four engines, and dedicated pipelines, ensuring full operational self-sufficiency.

Construction began in August 2021 and was completed in September 2025, reflecting strong synergy between Vibra’s operations and engineering teams and reinforcing the company’s commitment to efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Coastal shipping: logistics efficiency and environmental gains

The expansion of the Suape Base is also a strategic step in strengthening Vibra’s coastal shipping routes in Brazil. The terminal is a central point on the South/Southeast–Northeast route, used for the maritime transport of ethanol, biodiesel, and derivatives—an operation that has replaced thousands of long-haul road trips and significantly reduced CO₂ emissions.

In 2026, Vibra is advancing its coastal shipping strategy, expecting increased volumes transported to the Northeast, driven by the Suape Base expansion and the anticipated increase in the mandatory biodiesel blend (B100), with a projected rise of at least 10% in biodiesel coastal shipping volumes. This movement builds on the results achieved in 2025, when the company reached 76.7 million liters of biodiesel transported between Rio Grande (RS) and Suape (PE).

With Suape’s new infrastructure, Vibra expands its maritime receiving and shipping capacity, reinforcing coastal shipping as a core pillar of the company’s logistics strategy in the Northeast. Maritime operations not only improve efficiency and reduce logistics costs, but also support Vibra’s and its customers’ decarbonization goals.

“This expansion reinforces the importance of coastal shipping for energy security and supply efficiency in the Northeast. The increase in storage and operational capacity prepares the company for a new growth cycle, reducing environmental impacts and aligning with our sustainable logistics strategy,” Drumond added.

The expansion is part of Vibra’s ongoing logistics infrastructure investment plan—between R$ 400 million and R$ 500 million per year nationwide—and aims to ensure resilience, efficiency, and sustainable growth across all regions.

Source: Vibra Energia

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