Brazil's Ports Poised for Renewable Marine Fuels Revolution
Key Ideas
- Six Brazilian ports, including Santos and Rio Grande, identified as key for bunkering renewable hydrogen and derivatives like ammonia and methanol.
- Study highlights Brazil's strong infrastructure, energy resources, and $21 billion green hydrogen investments, positioning it as a strategic hub for e-fuels.
- Regulatory support, offshore wind laws, and international cooperation on green shipping corridors further boost Brazil as a leader in decarbonising global trade.
- Models show feasible trade routes without refuelling using ammonia, methanol, and in some cases, renewable hydrogen, supporting ship-to-ship bunkering operations.
A new study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) has identified Brazil as a promising bunkering hub for renewable marine fuels, particularly hydrogen-based options like ammonia and methanol. Six key ports in Brazil, such as Santos, Rio Grande, and Itaqui, were evaluated for their readiness to support bunkering operations of these zero-emission fuels. The assessment considered factors like infrastructure, port capacity, energy access, connectivity, and decarbonisation efforts. The study also simulated 10 trade routes, demonstrating that all routes could be completed without refuelling when using ammonia or methanol, while five routes were feasible solely on renewable hydrogen. Brazil's ample wind, solar, and hydropower resources, coupled with significant green hydrogen investments exceeding $21 billion, position the country as a strong supporter of the emerging e-fuels market. Additionally, regulatory advancements including new laws for offshore wind and international collaboration on green shipping corridors further enhance Brazil's status as a key player in decarbonising major global trade routes. The report highlights Brazil's potential not only as a fuel producer but also as a critical bunkering hub that can contribute to reducing emissions in the shipping industry in the future.
Topics
Maritime
Renewable Energy
Decarbonisation
Maritime Industry
Green Shipping
Energy Investments
Port Infrastructure
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