Suape Advances Energy Transition with Petrobras’ Rota Verde Project, Set to Become North and Northeast Brazil’s Only Bio-Bunker Supplier

The Port of Suape has taken another significant step toward decarbonizing maritime transportation. On Wednesday (Nov. 11), the first unloading operation involving feedstocks for the production of 8,000 metric tons of B30 bio-bunker fuel, a marine fuel containing 30% biodiesel, was completed at the Transpetro-operated marine terminal within the port complex in Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil.

The products arrived aboard the Queen of Doria, which transported B100 biodiesel from Aratu, in the state of Bahia, and very-low-sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO). The operation marks the arrival of Petrobras’ Rota Verde project at Suape, making the marine terminal the second in Brazil to join the initiative and the first in the country’s North and Northeast regions.

The project aims to expand marine bunkering infrastructure for bio-bunker fuel, which contains renewable components and will be used by Petrobras’ fleet of vessels, helping reduce the carbon intensity of its operations.

“The initiative represents another step toward establishing the complex as a national benchmark in logistics, energy and sustainable development, strengthening its capacity to accommodate innovative operations and contribute to the energy transition in the port and maritime sectors,” said Armando Monteiro Bisneto, CEO of the state-owned port authority.

Cargo Throughput Rises as Bio-Bunker Fuel Project Advances

Progress in renewable fuels comes amid growth in port operations. Between January and September 2026, Suape handled 21,288,667 metric tons of cargo, consolidating its position among Brazil’s leading public ports and as a major logistics hub in the Northeast.

Liquid bulk cargo, a segment encompassing fuels, petroleum products and other commodities handled in bulk, accounted for 14,510,029 metric tons, equivalent to 68.2% of total cargo throughput during the period. The performance points to the importance of this segment to the port’s operations and its strategic role in Brazil’s energy supply chain.

Source: Port of Suape

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