Lorena Parrilha Teixeira – 12/01/2025 – 20:42
Transpetro and the Imetame Group have signed a memorandum of understanding to assess the implementation of oil and oil derivative transfer operations between ships (ship-to-ship) in Espírito Santo. The agreement includes the leasing of two berths at the multipurpose port under construction in Aracruz, with operations expected to begin by the first half of 2025.
The partnership could represent a shift in the logistics of the oil and gas sector in the state, which will now include ship-to-ship operations conducted with moored vessels. The infrastructure is designed to meet growing market demand and provide new export alternatives for oil produced in the basins of Santos, Campos, and Espírito Santo.
The port, which is being built by the Imetame Group, will have an initial capacity to accommodate Suezmax vessels, up to 1 million barrels, and a depth of 17 metres. In a second phase, VLCC vessels, which transport up to 2 million barrels, will also be able to operate at the site, thanks to an expansion of the depth to 25 metres. The strategic location of Espírito Santo has been highlighted by those involved in the project. Gustavo Rosindo, executive manager of Transpetro, stated that the initiative aims to strengthen the logistics of the sector in the Southeast region. For the CEO of Imetame Logística Porto, Gilson Pereira, the partnership seeks to consolidate the port’s operation with high efficiency and safety. The ship-to-ship model, which eliminates the need for land-based tanks, has the potential to reduce movement costs by up to 30%, according to Transpetro.
“Our port complex is under construction, and our goal is to provide high-quality services for users. For this, it’s not enough to just increase the operational capacity of the port system; it’s also essential to develop partnerships with operational expertise in the cargo segments that will be handled at the port. This partnership, which could be consolidated in 2025 with Transpetro, aligns with our expectation of starting operations with high performance in a safe and sustainable way. We believe in the consolidation of this agreement, and to that end, we will make every necessary effort so that Imetame Logística Porto adds value to the entire oil and gas chain,” stated the CEO of Imetame Logística Porto, Gilson Pereira.
The state-owned company, which leads the Brazilian oil transport market, accounts for 70% of the country’s operations and seeks to expand its presence in strategic regions. Espírito Santo, with its proximity to the production basins and its geographical position, is considered a key point for this expansion.
Source: Portos e Navios / BR8
