Port of Açu and Port of Antwerp-Bruges sign letter of intent to create green e-fuels corridor

O Porto do Açu e o Porto de Antuérpia-Bruges signed a letter of intent on Monday (3) to create a green shipping corridor between Brazil and Europe, with the potential to become the world’s first major e-fuels export route. The goal is for the corridor to be operational before 2030.

The agreement is the result of a pre-feasibility study developed by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and Global Maritime Forum (GMF), presented during the Oceans of Opportunity Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The event brought together leaders from the port, maritime, energy, financial and government sectors to discuss Brazil’s maritime decarbonization agenda.

“We are working for the Port of Açu to become a global hub for zero-emission maritime fuels, strategically positioned to connect Brazilian production with Europe’s growing demand for low-carbon solutions. The creation of the corridor reinforces our strategy of being Brazil’s port of the energy transition,” said Rogério Zampronha, CEO of Prumo.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges, one of Europe’s largest industrial hubs, plans to import 6 to 10 million tonnes of green ammonia per year by 2030, equivalent to 1.2 to 1.5 million tonnes of green hydrogen. This market demand could be met by Brazilian production, including that planned for the hydrogen and derivatives hub at the Port of Açu.

“The partnership with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges shows the power of international cooperation and how we can contribute to a sustainable and circular maritime economy. The Açu is an ecosystem that delivers real results, with energy availability and a private port model that ensures agility, efficiency and the highest ESG standards,” said Eugenio Figueiredo, CEO of the Port of Açu.

According to the pre-feasibility study, the Açu–Antwerp corridor offers commercial advantages: ship operations could approach cost parity with conventional fuels with new incentives from the International Maritime Organization (IMO); the necessary infrastructure has already been mapped, including terminals, safety protocols and regulatory requirements; and there is commercial feasibility to meet European demand with low compliance risk.

“The partnership with the Port of Açu is a milestone in building a transatlantic green energy corridor. Together, we are preparing the first flows of green ammonia imports from Açu to Antwerp-Bruges, driving a truly sustainable and circular maritime economy,” said Kristof Waterschoot, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges International.

The mapping also highlights that Brazil has competitive conditions to become one of the world’s largest producers of e-fuels, driven by its predominantly renewable electricity matrix, public policies for the sector and low cost of capital. In addition, the implementation of the IMO Net Zero Framework, which may begin as early as next year, and European policies such as FuelEU Maritime and the Emissions Trading System (ETS) are expected to create further incentives for zero or near-zero emission fuels. The maritime sector currently accounts for about 80% of global trade volume and roughly 3% of global emissions.

“Brazil has the resources to lead the world in sustainable and competitive maritime fuels. It has great renewable energy potential, natural carbon, a thriving resource industry and connectivity that will make it a global powerhouse in the next energy economy and position it as a leader to take us there,” said Jon Creyts, CEO of RMI.

“The maritime sector has the opportunity to be a leader in the global energy transition, especially as it can help create a market for e-fuels. The green corridor between the Port of Açu and Antwerp-Bruges is more than a trade route that can stimulate this market; it is a symbol of what can be achieved through coordinated climate action and strategic leadership. We are only beginning to explore the vast ‘Oceans of Opportunities’ that emerge when innovation, public policy and leadership come together for a decarbonized future,” said Johannah Christensen, CEO of the Global Maritime Forum.

Port of Açu hydrogen hub
The Port of Açu is rapidly consolidating its position as an important hub for low-carbon hydrogen and clean fuel production. In just one year, the first licensed area, covering 1 million square meters, was fully allocated to projects focused on exporting green ammonia and e-methanol to international markets. Environmental licensing for an additional 4.5 million square meters is underway to meet growing investor demand at the port.

So far, five international developers have secured six land reservations within the Açu Hydrogen and Derivatives Hub, reinforcing the port’s role as Brazil’s gateway for large-scale production and export of sustainable fuels.

The next step for the Açu–Antwerp corridor will be a full feasibility study that will detail costs, offtake contracts, ship and engine availability, and the project’s financial structure, combining incentives from the IMO, Brazilian programs and European policies.

Source: Porto do Açu

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