Brazil and Norway Sign Agreement to Establish Green Shipping Corridor

Brazilian Ports and Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho and Norway’s Ambassador to Brazil, Odd Magne Ruud, representing the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday (26) to advance sustainable maritime transport and support international climate targets. The agreement aims to establish a shipping corridor between Brazil and Norway for vessels powered by advanced technology and low- or zero-carbon fuels, significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Silvio Costa Filho hailed the initiative as a milestone for global logistics, emphasizing its far-reaching impact. “This project will benefit not just our two countries but the entire world. Alongside the Norwegian government, we are committed to making maritime transport even more sustainable and environmentally advanced. Our goal is to build a sector that balances economic growth with environmental responsibility, positioning Brazil as a global leader in sustainable shipping,” he stated.

Beyond exchanging expertise, the MoU outlines a series of initiatives to strengthen the broader logistics chain. These include operationalizing the green shipping corridor, fostering business cooperation between Brazil and Norway to promote sustainability, developing low- and zero-carbon supply chains, and supporting the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement.

“Oceans have always linked Brazil and Norway, forming the foundation of our bilateral relationship. Both countries possess the expertise and technology to drive sustainable shipping forward. With its long maritime history, Norway reaffirms its commitment to the energy transition, recognizing this innovative project as a strategic opportunity to showcase the potential of green shipping to the world,” said Norwegian Ambassador Odd Magne Ruud.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat climate change, following up on commitments made under the Clydebank Declaration for Green Shipping Corridors, signed at the 2021 UN Climate Summit in Glasgow (COP26). The declaration marked an initial step toward decarbonizing maritime transport.

The pilot project will involve key industry players and research institutions on both sides of the Atlantic to identify strategic routes and ports while developing and scaling up zero-emission fuel solutions. Brazil and Norway plan to present one or more transatlantic green corridor proposals at the 2025 UN Climate Summit (COP30) in Belém, scheduled for November 10–21.

A Commitment to Sustainability

As part of its efforts to integrate sustainability into transportation, the Brazilian Ministry of Ports and Airports recently launched the country’s first Logistics Sustainability Policy. This pioneering federal initiative seeks to promote sustainable practices and develop a sustainability agenda in collaboration with industry associations and regulatory bodies. The goal is to ensure that Brazil’s port, waterway, and airport sectors advance in a way that balances economic development, environmental conservation, and social inclusion.

The policy includes sustainability measures for both public agencies and private companies. Public-sector efforts will be guided by an Annual Sustainability Policy Agenda, covering projects, research, and potential regulatory updates. For private enterprises, implementation will be driven by the Sustainability Pact, an ESG-focused commitment for companies looking to adopt sustainable business practices.

The ministry’s sustainability and decarbonization agenda includes 15 initial measures, such as port electrification to supply clean energy to vessels awaiting berth clearance and international agreements to promote sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). According to the Ministry’s Sustainability Agenda, implementation of green shipping initiatives in Brazilian ports is set to begin later this year.

Source: MPor

Sharing is caring!