This month, Wilson Sons received approval from ANP to conduct the first tests on using HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) in the Brazilian maritime sector, with efen and Port of Açu as partners.
To replace marine diesel oil, efen will import HVO, also known as renewable diesel or green diesel, to be tested on Wilson Sons' tugs in the Port of Açu, in São João da Barra (Rio de Janeiro). The liquid handling operation will be conducted at the Açu Liquid Bulk Terminal (TLA), owned by Vast Infraestrutura.
The green diesel study in Açu includes efficiency testing, assessing the effects on maintenance processes, and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Green diesel can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by more than 80%, considering its complete life cycle*.
“Our decarbonization agenda does not only include building more efficient tugboats but also decreasing the environmental impact of our fleet of more than 80 vessels. In this context, HVO emerges as a promising solution, as it is a drop-in fuel that does not require any adaptations to our equipment, representing an important choice for the port support industry,” says Marcio Castro, executive director at Wilson Sons Towage division.
Although the maritime sector is already considered the least polluting one per ton of cargo per kilometre traveled, accounting for just 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions**, it still plays a significant role. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) strategy sets a net-zero target for GHG emissions from international shipping by 2050, which can be accelerated with HVO.
"We want to foster energy transition projects in emission-intensive industries, such as shipping. In the future, we can set up HVO plants and other facilities for low-carbon fuels," says Eugenio Figueiredo, CEO of Port of Açu.
Fuel testing on tugboats
Vast and Wilson Sons have also recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to test the use of biofuels on Wilson Sons’ tug operating at T-Oil, Vast's oil terminal in the Port of Açu. The agreement aims to develop and offer logistics infrastructure services to help reduce the intensity of carbon emissions in the operations of both companies.
Vast is studying the possibility of using the TLA tank structure, which is yet to be built, to store and add biocomponents to marine fuels and capture liquids not currently planned for the Terminal.
"The TLA will provide the necessary infrastructure to support the extensive use of biofuels, such as HVO, and to serve as a hub to store and handle a wide range of liquids, such as clear fuels, lubricants, ethanol, and chemicals. The agreements further cement our strategic position in Brazil's logistics chain and our relevant role in decarbonising the maritime sector," says Eduardo Goulart, Commercial Director at Vast Infraestrutura.
