First-Ever HVO Bunkering Carried Out by Efen and Wilson Sons at Vast’s Terminal in Porto do Açu

Efen, in partnership with Wilson Sons, carried out Brazil’s first bunkering operation with HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), commonly referred to as “green diesel” in the maritime sector, at the end of March. The operation took place at the Açu Liquid Terminal (TLA), operated by Vast Infraestrutura, and marks a milestone in the decarbonization strategy of the national maritime transport sector.

Efen imported the HVO to replace traditional marine diesel oil in Wilson Sons’ tugboats operating in Porto do Açu, located in São João da Barra (Rio de Janeiro state). Brazil’s National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) authorized the use of this renewable fuel in February this year, enabling the start of practical testing with the fuel in the country.

“We supplied the first cubic meters of HVO, and we expect to expand supply to other vessels of different sizes at Porto do Açu,” said Rafael Pinheiro, CEO of Efen.

In addition to being 100% compatible with diesel engines, HVO can reduce carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂eq) emissions by more than 80% over its full life cycle. The industry expects this reduction to grow further in the future with domestic production of the fuel.

Decarbonization Strategy

Wilson Sons, which operates a fleet of over 80 vessels, is investing in this initiative as part of its sustainability strategy. “We believe using HVO is a significant step in our journey to reduce emissions. Only with partners aligned in the pursuit of more sustainable operations will we achieve our decarbonization goals,” said Márcio Castro, the company’s executive director.

The operation also highlights Vast’s Liquid Terminal’s role as a platform for next-generation fuels. According to Eduardo Goulart, the company’s commercial director, plans are in place to expand the terminal’s infrastructure to allow for the storage of bio-components and the handling of a wider range of liquids, such as ethanol, lubricants, and chemical products.

“The TLA is ready to support operations with biofuels such as HVO, and our goal is to consolidate an industrial low-carbon hub over the coming years,” said Goulart.

Porto do Açu, which hosts the terminal, has also invested in energy sustainability projects. “Having HVO available at Açu is essential for our clients to have the option to operate with lower CO₂eq emissions. We also have agreements with global companies to install facilities for producing non-fossil fuels from green hydrogen and ammonia,” emphasized Eugenio Figueiredo, CEO of Porto do Açu.

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