Port of Açu and Repsol Sinopec Brasil Sign Agreement for Maritime-Port Sector Decarbonization Study

The Port of Açu and Repsol Sinopec Brasil have signed an agreement to develop technical studies combining carbon dioxide (CO₂) direct air capture (DAC) technology with technology that converts the captured CO₂ into low-carbon fuel for vessels and aviation—two technologies currently under development by RSB.

The project aims to establish a cycle that mitigates CO₂ emissions and transforms gas into renewable fuel, an essential resource for port operations. In 2024 alone, the Port of Açu received over 7,000 vessels, making it an ideal location for developing this technology.

The partnership pioneers decarbonization solutions for the maritime port and aviation sectors, which face growing challenges in meeting sustainability targets. The pilot plant is expected to have the capacity to capture 5,000 tons of CO₂ per year and produce approximately 300 liters of sustainable fuel per day, which can be directly tested and validated in support vessels.

The project was one of 43 proposals selected from 76 entries in a public call by FINEP-BNDES for the development and implementation of production units for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and marine fuels.

The initiative is part of the innovation portfolio of the Port of Açu, led by Cais Açu Lab, which aims to become a strategic hub for energy and sustainable solutions. It leverages the experience of the DAC SI and CO₂CHEM projects, spearheaded by Repsol Sinopec. DAC SI, developed in partnership with PUCRS, commissioned a DAC unit in 2024 capable of capturing 300 tons of CO₂ directly from the air annually. Meanwhile, CO₂CHEM is being developed in partnership with Hytron, USP, and SENAI Cetiqt to create a pilot plant for producing renewable fuels from CO₂.

The agreement between the two companies includes a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), ensuring alignment of expectations for developing this new technological solution.

“This is a milestone for both the Brazilian and global industries, as it represents a significant advance in CO₂ capture and the use of this technology for fuel production. Our goal is to accelerate the energy transition and contribute to climate goals, highlighting the leadership of Repsol Sinopec and the Port of Açu by using innovation as a tool to drive the development of truly impactful technologies,” said Eugenio Figueredo, CEO of Port of Açu.

Alejandro Ponce, CEO of Repsol Sinopec Brasil, emphasized the importance of the partnership:

“We believe that collaboration is essential for innovation. This partnership marks a significant step forward in the technologies we are developing at Repsol Sinopec Brasil to help decarbonize the economy, aligned with the Repsol Group’s global ambition to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Investing in partnerships like this with the Port of Açu is key to driving a just energy transition.”

The Port of Açu and Repsol Sinopec partnership stands out for its potential to significantly advance decarbonization and energy transition through real-world research and development applications.

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