Bunker One, a global leader in marine fuel supply, and Acelen, the largest bunker fuel producer in Brazil, are set to strengthen their strategic partnership with the launch of a new bunkering operation at the Port of Salvador, located in Bahia, Northeast Brazil. This marks the third joint operation between the companies and is expected to significantly boost annual bunker fuel sales, further solidifying their collaborative efforts.
New Joint Bunkering Operation at the Port of Salvador
Starting this April, Bunker One and Acelen will operate a new bunkering service, providing vessels with Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and Low Sulfur Marine Gas Oil (LS MGO). Unlike previous operations, this new initiative will utilize barges for fuel delivery, offering greater flexibility and efficiency in servicing both the inner anchorage and alongside the port.
The partnership leverages Bunker One’s global market presence and operational expertise through its shipping company, Nova Offshore, which specializes in barge-based bunkering services. With this strategic move, the companies aim to reinforce their position as key players in South America’s bunkering market, especially along the Atlantic coast.
Expanding Regional Influence and Market Reach
The operation at the Port of Salvador will serve a diverse range of vessels, including cruise ships during the summer season, oil tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, general cargo vessels, and offshore support ships. This expanded service offering will not only support logistics efficiency but also enhance the competitiveness of Brazil’s global trade routes.
Flavio Ribeiro, Managing Director of Bunker One for Brazil and Latin America, emphasized the importance of this expansion: “From a strategic perspective, this new operation strengthens Bunker One’s position as a global leader. With our focus on efficiency and reliability, we are proud to serve both the export-import chains, cabotage (coastal shipping), and the seasonal cruise market with excellence. This positions us as a benchmark in marine fuel supply, from commercial negotiations to the bunkering operation itself.”
Strengthening Acelen’s Regional Presence
Cristiano da Costa, Vice President of Commercial, Trading, and Shipping at Acelen, described the expansion as a critical move in strengthening the company’s presence in Bahia, where Acelen operates the Mataripe Refinery. “This significant expansion of our partnership will ensure consistent supply and further elevate the quality of our customer service, all within the state of Bahia, our home, where our story in Brazil began,” said Costa.
Driving Economic Growth and Competitiveness
The new bunkering operation is expected to contribute significantly to Bunker One and Acelen‘s annual bunker fuel sales, with Salvador acting as a key hub for commercial activity. This joint venture is also anticipated to boost Bunker One’s overall business volume in Brazil, with a positive impact on the country’s cabotage navigation, which is vital for domestic logistics.
Efficient bunkering operations are crucial to Brazil’s maritime industry, ensuring a continuous flow of goods between domestic ports and reducing transport costs. This improves the competitiveness of maritime transport compared to other modes of logistics and has a deflationary effect on the prices of transported goods.
About Acelen
Acelen, an energy company formed by Mubadala Capital, has rapidly established itself as a key player in Brazil’s energy transition. The company is also involved in large-scale projects, including the construction of Brazil’s largest renewable fuel project for producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) from the macaúba plant. Additionally, Acelen recently announced a joint venture to build a 161MW solar complex in Bahia, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
About Bunker One
Bunker One, a subsidiary of Denmark’s Bunker Holding, operates over 60 offices in 32 countries, with full control over its supply chain in Brazil. It serves as the sole supplier of marine fuels in Brazil, offering both local expertise and global coverage.
With this new operation, Bunker One and Acelen continue to make strategic strides in their partnership, driving growth in the global and regional bunkering markets. The joint effort at the Port of Salvador exemplifies the strength of their collaboration and marks an important step in optimizing Brazil’s maritime fuel supply chain.
Source Bunker One