Vast Infraestrutura, a key player in Brazil’s energy logistics sector, and Be8, a leader in renewable energy and biodiesel production, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop the biofuels market for maritime applications at the Port of Açu. The agreement marks a significant step toward the decarbonization of the maritime industry in Brazil and supports the national and global shift toward cleaner energy alternatives.
A Strategic Alliance for Sustainable Shipping
The partnership will focus on expanding the use of biofuels in marine transport, with Vast providing the logistical and infrastructure support needed to facilitate the distribution of Be8’s sustainable fuels at one of the busiest ports in the country. In 2024 alone, more than 7,300 vessels accessed the Port of Açu, making it the second largest port in Brazil in terms of vessel traffic.
“This new partnership with Vast allows us to work with biodiesel, which can be used for bunker fuel supplied to ships, and with Be8 BeVant®, a new advanced biofuel we developed for large-scale fossil fuel consumers seeking to cut emissions immediately,” stated Erasmo Carlos Battistella, President of Be8.
BeVant® is a 100% renewable diesel alternative developed by Be8 to help companies replace fossil diesel entirely, providing an effective and scalable short-term solution for reducing carbon footprints in logistics, port operations, and shipping.
Bio-Bunker Fuel: Ready for the Seas
One of the key innovations supported by this partnership is the use of biodiesel blends in traditional marine fuels such as Marine Gas Oil (MGO) and Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), collectively referred to as bunker fuel. This method of blending biodiesel does not require any modifications to existing ship engines and is one of the most viable solutions for reducing maritime emissions.
In a landmark decision, Brazil’s National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels (ANP) recently authorized the commercialization of bunker fuel containing up to 24% biodiesel—a crucial move that opens new pathways for clean marine fuel use.
Infrastructure to Power the Transition
Under the MoU, Vast will conduct studies to implement the required infrastructure at its Açu Liquid Terminal (TLA), enabling the reception, storage, and dispatch of biodiesel and its raw materials. This includes the potential use of the Port of Açu for importing critical inputs for biodiesel production, such as methanol, as well as exporting the final biofuel products via cabotage or international routes.
According to Eduardo Goulart, Commercial Director of Vast Infraestrutura, “The Port of Açu plays an important role in fostering the decarbonization of the maritime sector in Brazil. Vast aims to contribute through two main pathways: one focused on low-carbon fuel supply, and another offering electrification for moored vessels—something we’ve already implemented for tugboats at our oil terminal.”
Additionally, Vast is assessing the use of available industrial land at Açu for the potential construction of storage facilities for Be8’s biofuels, further solidifying the port’s role as a central hub in Brazil’s energy transition.
Together, Vast and Be8 aim to transform the Port of Açu into a regional and potentially global hub for sustainable maritime fuel solutions—paving the way toward a greener future in shipping and energy logistics.
About Be8
Be8 is a Brazilian renewable energy company based in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul. It operates production units across Brazil—in Paraná, Mato Grosso, Piauí, Pará—and internationally in Paraguay and Switzerland. The company is also developing Omega Green, an advanced biorefinery in Villeta, Paraguay, that will produce next-generation biofuels (HVO, SPK, and Naphtha) from plant and animal oils. Be8 is committed to leading the energy transition through circular innovation and sustainable production.
About Vast Infraestrutura
Part of the Prumo Group, Vast Infraestrutura is a leading logistics and infrastructure provider for the movement of liquid fuels in Brazil. The company is responsible for approximately 40% of all crude oil exports from Brazil through its T-Oil terminal at the Port of Açu—the only private terminal in the country capable of handling VLCC-class vessels (Very Large Crude Carriers).
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