#Brazil #CMA CGM #Bioethanol #Copersucar #Santos

Regular Bioethanol Bunkering Operations Begin at Port of Santos

On October 19, 2026, a significant milestone in the maritime industry was achieved as the Port of Santos commenced regular bioethanol bunkering operations for vessels. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving key players in the sector, including Copersucar, a leader in sugar and bioethanol, CMA CGM, a global logistics and shipping company, and Bunker One, part of the Danish Bunker Holding group, known for its expertise in bunker trading. The Santos Port Authority also plays a crucial role in this initiative, showcasing Brazil's ambition to become a pivotal player in the decarbonization of international shipping.

The pilot operation held in July proved successful, leading to this new regular operation which aims to position Brazil as one of the foremost hubs for low-carbon fuel bunkering. The first vessel to benefit from this operation was the CMA CGM IRON, a container ship notable for being equipped with the world’s first tri-fuel engine, certified to operate on bioethanol, the Everllence-BW G95ME-C10.5-LGIM. This marks a transition from an experimental phase to a structured supply model for bioethanol, reinforcing the viability of this alternative fuel for maritime operations on a commercial scale.

Giovani Grassi, CEO of CMA CGM Brazil, emphasized the importance of this operation, stating that it demonstrates the feasibility of integrating bioethanol into maritime logistics safely and reliably. The initiative not only illustrates CMA CGM's dedication to promoting lower-carbon solutions but also signals a broader shift towards sustainable energy solutions in the maritime sector.

Bioethanol supplied by Copersucar is produced through a well-established and certified chain, ensuring that sugarcane cultivation primarily utilizes degraded pastureland. There are strict sustainability and zero-deforestation criteria in place, thanks to Brazil's RenovaBio program. This approach presents a unique market opportunity, as global demand for marine fuels surpasses 270 billion liters annually. If just 10% of this market is replaced with bioethanol, it could create approximately 50 billion liters of potential demand for bioethanol each year.

Tomás Manzano, president of Copersucar, described the initiative as a historic moment for both bioethanol and the maritime industry. It sets the stage for establishing a green corridor for marine bioethanol bunkering, potentially connecting Brazil's abundant production capacity with international decarbonization efforts. This initiative opens doors to new markets for bioethanol, representing a growth opportunity that supports the transition to renewable energy solutions in maritime transport.

The bioethanol bunkering operations require coordinated collaboration among various partners to facilitate the entire process, from production to transportation and bunkering. The entire supply chain is well-integrated, with bioethanol transported to the Port of Santos by Evolua Etanol, part of Copersucar’s ecosystem, where it is stored by AGEO Terminais. At the bunkering site, located at the Santos Brasil terminal, Bunker One has developed a pioneering protocol tailored for Latin America, adapting to the fuel's specific properties, including its low flash point.

Antônio Carlos Sepúlveda, CEO of Santos Brasil, remarked on the significance of hosting such operations at Tecon Santos, underscoring the commitment to sustainable logistics practices in Brazil. By facilitating energy transition in maritime operations, Santos Brasil aligns with a broader agenda of reducing both its carbon footprint and those of its clients.

Brazil has long recognized the potential of bioethanol, and now, through this initiative, it is translating its domestic capabilities into international shipping solutions. Flavio Ribeiro, CEO of Bunker One LatAm, highlighted the strategic importance of the Port of Santos as a destination for shipowners looking to minimize emissions, particularly as many regions remain in the process of regulating marine fuel alternatives.

According to Anderson Pomini, president of the Santos Port Authority, this groundbreaking operation marks a significant leap in global shipping and solidifies the Port of Santos’ role as a pioneer in the sustainable evolution of maritime trade. As this sector accounts for over 90% of global trade transactions, such initiatives pave the way for a more sustainable future in international shipping.

The prospects for bioethanol's market are bolstered by the evolution of the global maritime fleet. Current estimates indicate that 159 vessels are already equipped with engines compatible with methanol, which can also utilize bioethanol. With more than 450 such vessels expected to join the fleet by 2030, the demand for bioethanol is anticipated to rise significantly, reinforcing the sector's growth potential.

In conclusion, the launch of regular bioethanol bunkering at the Port of Santos is a defining step toward building a sustainable future in maritime transportation, showcasing the capabilities of Brazilian innovation and collaboration in addressing global energy challenges.