Bioethanol bunkering operations have officially begun at the Port of Santos, Brazil. This initiative has been carried out by various companies including Copersucar, CMA CGM, Bunker One, AGEO Terminais, and Santos Brasil. The first operation took place on October 19, 2023, with the bunkering of the CMA CGM IRON, a container ship with a capacity of 13,000 TEU and a tri-fuel engine specifically designed to operate with bioethanol.
Development of Bioethanol Bunkering Infrastructure
This operation marks the transition from a pioneering experience to a regular bioethanol supply model, positioning the Port of Santos and Brazil as one of the main hubs for reduced-carbon fuel bunkering globally. Several other bunkering operations for CMA CGM vessels with bioethanol supplied by Copersucar are expected to take place by the end of this year.
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Giovani Grassi, CEO of CMA CGM Brazil, stated: "After the first operation conducted in July, we have now entered a new phase that demonstrates bioethanol can be safely and reliably integrated into maritime operations. This initiative reinforces CMA CGM's commitment to accelerating the adoption of reduced-carbon solutions and supporting the development of new energy ecosystems for the maritime sector."
Potential and Global Market for Bioethanol
The bioethanol supplied by Copersucar comes from a reputable and certified production chain. Sugarcane cultivation is primarily conducted on degraded pasturelands, and the RenovaBio program sets stringent criteria for sustainability and deforestation prevention. Currently, global demand for marine fuels exceeds 270 billion liters per year, and replacing just 10% of this consumption could lead to an additional potential market of nearly 50 billion liters of bioethanol annually.
The development of infrastructure and coordination among several partners in this operation has connected the stages of production, transportation, storage, and fuel supply. The bioethanol produced by facilities associated with Copersucar is transported to the Port of Santos by Evolua Etanol and stored there by AGEO Terminais. This logistical infrastructure enables the bunkering of vessels.
Antônio Carlos Sepúlveda, CEO of Santos Brasil, emphasized that hosting this type of operation at Tecon Santos reflects the company's commitment to sustainable logistics development in Brazil. He said: "We are continuously striving to reduce the carbon footprint of our operations and those of our customers. Assisting in the energy transition in the maritime sector is also part of this plan."
Flavio Ribeiro, CEO of Bunker One LatAm, stated that Brazil has recognized the potential of bioethanol for decades, and now this experience is being transferred to international maritime transport. This initiative positions the Port of Santos as a strategic destination for ship owners seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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