Vast Infraestrutura, Wilson Sons, and Ferroport test Be8 BeVant® marine biofuel in tugboat at Porto do Açu. A breakthrough for maritime decarbonization and sustainable port logistics in Brazil.
Brazil | April 23, 2026 – In a significant stride for the South American maritime energy transition, Vast Infraestrutura has successfully completed the first-ever refueling of a tugboat with Be8 BeVant® biofuel at Porto do Açu, Rio de Janeiro.
The operation, conducted in strategic partnership with maritime logistics giant Wilson Sons and iron ore terminal operator Ferroport, marks a critical milestone in the decarbonization of “hard-to-abate” port services. By integrating high-performance biofuels into existing fleets, the initiative provides a tangible roadmap for reducing the carbon footprint of the shipping industry without the immediate need for massive capital expenditure in new engine technology.
The Tech Behind the Trial: Be8 BeVant®
Developed by the Brazilian renewable energy leader Be8, BeVant® represents a new generation of sustainable fuels specifically engineered for the heavy-duty maritime sector.
- Emission Reductions: The fuel boasts the potential to slash CO2 emissions by up to 99% compared to traditional fossil-based marine diesel (MGO/MDO).
- “Drop-in” Capability: One of the most significant advantages highlighted during the Vast trial is its status as a 100% “drop-in” fuel. It requires zero modifications to existing engines, fuel tanks, or bunkering infrastructure.
- Operational Efficiency: Beyond its environmental profile, the biofuel is designed to maintain high thermal efficiency, ensuring that the heavy-torque demands of tugboat maneuvers remain uncompromised.
Strategic Synergy: Wilson Sons & Ferroport
The trial utilized a tugboat from the Wilson Sons fleet, the largest tugboat operator in Brazil, operating within the Ferroport terminal. This collaboration underscores a growing trend in the maritime sector: cross-sectoral alliances.
“This initiative is more than a test; it is a demonstration of how the synergy between infrastructure, logistics, and fuel innovation can accelerate the energy transition,” stated Vast Infraestrutura
For Ferroport, a joint venture between Anglo American and Prumo Logística, the adoption of lower-carbon intensity fuels is essential for greening the supply chain of iron ore exports. For Wilson Sons, it validates their commitment to maintaining one of the cleanest and most efficient fleets in the Southern Hemisphere.
Porto do Açu: A Green Hub in the Making
Located in São João da Barra, Porto do Açu is rapidly evolving into a laboratory for the global energy transition. Vast Infraestrutura’s leadership in this trial aligns with its broader corporate strategy to transition from a traditional oil logistics provider to a diversified energy infrastructure platform.
Key Pillars of Vast’s Decarbonization Strategy:
- Low-Carbon Logistics: Incentivizing the use of biofuels in the vessel’s daily operations.
- Efficiency Gains: Optimizing bunkering windows to reduce “idle time” and associated emissions.
- Future-Proofing: Testing the scalability of BeVant® for larger ocean-going vessels.
Environmental Impact Assessment
| Feature | Conventional Marine Diesel | Be8 BeVant® |
| Carbon Reduction | Baseline (0%) | Up to 99% |
| Engine Modification | N/A | None Required |
| Source | Petroleum-based | Renewable Biomass |
| Scalability | High (Global standard) | High (Drop-in ready) |
The Path Forward
As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) tightens its greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, the success at Porto do Açu sends a clear signal to the market: the technology to decarbonize is here.
Vast Infraestrutura’s move signals that the next phase of maritime logistics will not just be about moving volume, but about the carbon intensity of every ton moved. By proving the viability of Be8 BeVant® in high-stress tugboat operations, Vast and its partners have set a new benchmark for sustainable port operations in Brazil and beyond.
Vast Infraestrutura continues to explore further solutions that drive sustainable logistics, reinforcing its position at the vanguard of the Atlantic energy corridor.
About Vast Infraestrutura
Part of the Prumo Group, Vast Infraestrutura manages energy and liquid terminals at the Port of Açu, including T-Oil and TLA. Committed to operational excellence, sustainability, and innovation, Vast is expanding its capabilities to support low-carbon and alternative fuels, positioning itself as a benchmark for decarbonized maritime logistics in Brazil, Latin America.
Source: Vast Infraestrutura