Ipiranga enters maritime refueling market in Rio de Janeiro waters

Ipiranga has recently embarked on a groundbreaking fuel operation focusing on expanding its B2B business branch by selling marine diesel oil (MGO) to Guanabara Bay and Rio de Janeiro vessels. This new business venture aligns with two key pillars of the company’s growth strategy: investment in logistics & distribution and supply & trading.

With a 12% share of the maritime fuel market in Brazil, Ipiranga aims to leverage its presence by catering to the refueling needs of clients. The newly established Ipiranga Empresas, the B2B business arm of the group, can now directly handle MGO refueling operations on vessels at sea. For Ipiranga, this represents a growing market where the company intends to apply its expertise gained over more than 85 years of fuel distribution in the country.

According to José Vianna, Vice President of Ipiranga Empresas, the launch of this operation is a major achievement. “This project demonstrates our strength in providing a broad portfolio of products and, now, maritime refueling. The company continues to play its role in being attentive to market opportunities, prioritizing operational safety with a focus on its employees, nearby communities, and the environment,” says Vianna.

The operation, spanning five distribution stages through pipelines, road transport, and, finally, maritime transport, follows a stringent safety protocol in accordance with Ipiranga’s health and operational safety guidelines. In Rio de Janeiro, the operation will be carried out using a tugboat and the CD Santos barge, with a capacity of 1,500 m3, departing from the São Miguel Shipyard in São Gonçalo (RJ). “We have completed an innovative project that marks a milestone in Ipiranga’s success story, involving more than 100 collaborators from all areas of the company to deliver fuel to businesses on the move,” states Rodolpho Athayde, Director of Ipiranga Empresas.

Bunker Trading – Earlier this year, Ipiranga had already expanded its B2B business by entering the bunker trading market in Rio Grande do Sul, supplying maritime fuel oil to large ship engines. The initiative benefits from logistical aspects, as the fuel is provided by the Riograndense Oil Refinery, with the expectation of primarily serving the grain export market at the Port of Rio Grande.

Some of the goals of this new business include diversifying Ipiranga’s operation portfolio to meet international market demand and increasing its market share in the local Rio Grande market, which currently has three players operating in this port.

Known in the market for its distinctive and logistically efficient service, Ipiranga offers two types of bunker: Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and Low-Sulphur Marine Gasoil (LSMGO), both meeting ISO 8217:2010 specifications, complying with IMO 2020 regulations, and suitable for fueling all types of vessels.

Currently, the operation involves a tanker that can transport 3,500 mtons of VLSFO and 800 m3 of LSMGO. Operations are carried out through ‘barge-to-ship’ and directly at the pier, strictly adhering to all safety standards.

“River transport presents distinct logistical challenges, but Ipiranga remains committed to delivering its products wherever the customer may be. Bunker trading opens new possibilities for the company, and we believe we are fully capable of being a relevant player in this market,” says Francisco Ganzer, Vice President of Supply and Trading at Ipiranga.”

The bunker and MGO services from Ipiranga can be requested through the email [email protected].

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