Brazil: Bunker One and Acelen partner to launch bunkering operation outside Port of Itaqui

Bunker Holding subsidiary Bunker One on Monday (25 September) said it has partnered with Acelen, the largest bunker producer in the Brazilian state of Bahia, to offer the only outer anchorage bunkering operation in Brazil.

Starting September 2023, vessels such as large cargo ships and tankers can be supplied in the anchorage area of the Port of Itaqui in São Marcos Bay (MA).

Nova Offshore, a subsidiary of Bunker One, has chartered the barge MT China Spirit, a highly equipped tanker with a specialised crew to carry out the supply. The tanker was built in 2009 and has a total length of 144 meters and a carrying capacity of 17,567 tons dwt.

The new bunkering option can service all types of vessels and different trade routes, including those either originating from or having Europe and the United States as destinations and is expected to significantly add to Bunker One’s volume at this location.

“This partnership will boost Bunker One’s operations in Brazil by approximately 30 per cent. And it’s not just about another line of business or geographic area covered, but the beginning of a promising alliance that has the potential to offer new solutions for the shipping industry in Latin America”, says Flavio Ribeiro, CEO of Bunker One (Brazil).

The option to bunker at inner anchorage reduces waiting times and calling costs, as the anchorage allows for bunkering without interfering with loading and unloading operations at the terminals. Up to two ships can be supplied daily, considering the time required for each operation and the specifics of each bunkering operation.

According to Cristiano da Costa, Vice President of Commercial, Trading, and Shipping at Acelen, the commercial partnership supports the region’s growth, increasing the supply and competitiveness of Brazil as an option for a hub for bunker supply.

“It’s an excellent partnership, capable of guaranteeing competitiveness to Brazil’s bunker supply in the São Luís do Maranhão region.”

The partnership between the producer and supplier, adding this location to the Port of Itaqui, is expected to increase the domestic market by up to 10% of bunker exports.

Photo credit: Bunker One
Published: 26 September 2023