Port of Santos reduces ship refueling delays, but challenges persist

Delays in bunker operations — the refueling of ships with fuel oil — have decreased in 2025 compared with 2024 but remain a challenge at the Port of Santos, according to the maritime sector. Last year, losses were estimated at R$ 27 million.

“There are still delays, but they’re less frequent. This improvement results from better communication among stakeholders,” said José Roque, executive director of the Sindamar (São Paulo State Maritime Shipping Agents Union). He did not estimate losses for this year.

Roque noted that the cruise season, which began on October 26 and is scheduled to run until April 19, raises concerns for the sector since cruise ships have priority for refueling. Bulk carriers are the most affected. “The tramps — non-regular vessels that come to load commodities — depend on berths and weather conditions. When it rains, operations are suspended, which increases the vessels’ port stay and causes queues at the anchorage,” he explained.

Sindamar has proposed ship-to-ship operations to mitigate the impact, as Santos lacks an internal anchorage area. “In that setup, the ship would be refueled while anchored offshore, without occupying a berth or delaying other vessels. Every delay leads to losses, both in later schedules and in port costs,” Roque said.

Petrobras

Petrobras stated that three vessels ensure fast and efficient fuel supply and that it keeps Sindamar updated on bunker schedules and operations through regular meetings. The state-owned company said it had not received any recent formal complaints about delays.

“Logistical challenges persist, but they are being addressed jointly by the parties involved,” the company noted.

Since December 2024, the fleet has included the barge SC-60, with a capacity of 3,500 tonnes and a flow rate of 500 m³/h, enabling faster refueling and reducing vessel turnaround time. Two additional barges, each with a capacity exceeding 3,000 tonnes, also allow operations in larger batches.

Petrobras is also studying the possibility of offshore refueling using a self-propelled vessel of greater capacity, a measure that depends on environmental permits and approval from the Brazilian Navy. Currently, refueling is limited to vessels docked at port terminals, in accordance with port, environmental, and maritime regulations.

The company emphasized that expanding bunker operations to the offshore anchorage would represent a strategic advancement, contingent on meeting legal requirements and obtaining authorization from the relevant authorities.

Source: A Tribuna

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