TLA, Porto do Açu – September 8, 2025 — In a significant move toward maritime decarbonization, Vast Infraestrutura and OceanPact Serviços Marítimos successfully carried out a Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) bunkering operation at the Terminal de Líquidos do Açu (TLA). This milestone event marks the first HVO refueling initiative under the companies’ strategic partnership established earlier this year.
The operation reflects a broader commitment to accelerating the transition to low-carbon marine fuels at one of Brazil’s most vital energy logistics hubs — the Port of Açu.
Table of Contents
Pioneering the Use of Biofuels in Brazilian Waters
Signed in May 2025, the agreement between Vast Infraestrutura and OceanPact was designed to explore the feasibility of integrating renewable biofuels, such as HVO, into the energy matrix of maritime operations.
Under this collaboration, OceanPact vessels operating on behalf of Vast at the T-Oil terminal will undergo scheduled HVO bunkering operations. These refueling trials at TLA will help quantify the potential for partial or complete substitution of traditional fossil fuels with advanced biofuels.
The initiative aims to:
- Assess operational performance of HVO under real-world conditions.
- Analyze the technical and economic feasibility of regular HVO use.
- Calculate GHG emissions reductions and environmental benefits.
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, a second-generation biofuel produced from renewable feedstocks such as waste oils and fats, is recognized for its drop-in compatibility with conventional marine engines, enabling immediate use without major modifications.
Strategic Commitment to Maritime Decarbonization
This joint operation signals a deepening commitment by Vast Infraestrutura and TLA to position themselves at the forefront of maritime decarbonization in Latin America. By enabling HVO bunkering within its infrastructure, Vast enhances its value proposition as a forward-thinking energy logistics provider in a rapidly evolving market.
“We are proud to lead initiatives that bring sustainable innovation to the maritime sector,” shared Vast Infraestrutura. “The use of HVO is a significant step toward reducing emissions while ensuring operational efficiency. We are not just supporting the energy transition — we are helping shape it.”
The partnership also strengthens OceanPact’s role as a key player in environmental and offshore support services, showcasing its willingness to integrate clean technologies into its operational fleet.
The Port of Açu: A Biofuel Bunkering Hub in the Making
Located in northern Rio de Janeiro state, the Port of Açu is rapidly becoming a national reference point for green energy solutions. The success of this HVO operation paves the way for the port to evolve into a biofuel bunkering hub, serving both domestic and international shipping routes.
Through targeted research, monitoring, and collaboration with regulatory bodies, the Vast-OceanPact partnership aims to provide credible, data-driven insights into the viability and scalability of biofuel bunkering in Brazilian ports.
TLA Tank Farm Project Underscores Vast’s Broader Energy Transition Strategy
This month’s HVO bunkering operation comes on the heels of another major development by Vast Infraestrutura — the groundbreaking of a state-of-the-art tank farm at the Açu Liquid Terminal (TLA). With an initial investment of R$250 million, this facility is set to dramatically expand Brazil’s liquid bulk handling capacity, including infrastructure to store and distribute biofuels, lubricants, VLSFO, and future fuels like e-methanol and SAF. Combined with record-breaking operations at its T-Oil terminal, these initiatives reinforce Vast’s strategic commitment to modernizing infrastructure, enabling the energy transition, and positioning the Port of Açu as a leading hub for low-carbon maritime logistics.
As marine fuel suppliers, logistics providers, and port operators around the world search for sustainable alternatives, the collaboration between Vast and OceanPact offers a model of innovation, ambition, and responsibility.
About OceanPact Serviços Marítimos
Established in 2007, OceanPact is a leading Brazilian company specializing in emergency management and response in the maritime and oil & gas sectors. With a strong national presence and a commitment to operational excellence, OceanPact provides critical services and vessel chartering to support oil companies, ports, refineries, and terminals in meeting regulatory requirements and environmental standards — particularly in relation to oil spill response preparedness and mitigation.
Operating at the intersection of maritime safety, environmental protection, and offshore logistics, OceanPact plays a vital role in ensuring that Brazil’s coastal and offshore operations remain both resilient and sustainable.
About Vast Infraestrutura
Part of the Prumo Group, Vast Infraestrutura is a Brazilian logistics company specializing in the management of energy terminals at the Port of Açu. It operates T-Oil, a key crude transshipment terminal, the only private terminal in the country capable of handling VLCC-class vessels (Very Large Crude Carriers)., and Açu Liquid Terminal, providing services for marine fuels, clean energy products, and petroleum derivatives.
The company is committed to operational excellence, sustainability, and supporting the energy transition across Latin America. Vast is now expanding its focus to include the movement and storage of future fuels through the Açu Liquid Terminal (TLA). This facility is being developed to support the growing demand for low-carbon and alternative fuels, including marine fuels, lubricants, and biofuels.
Vast’s strategy is centered on sustainable operations, emissions reduction, and resource efficiency, with the ambition to become a benchmark in safety, sustainability, and innovation in its sector.
Source Vast Infraestrutura