The strategic expansion establishes two pivotal hubs, Itaqui and Sepetiba Out of Port Limits (OPL), confirming the success of the STS Bunkering operations in Brazil.

Bunker One, one of the world’s leaders in physical bunker supply, and Acelen, the largest bunker producer in the country, continue to join forces in a new strategic partnership to offer a new STS Bunkering operation at Sepetiba Out of Ports Limits (OPL), in Rio de Janeiro. The partnership, which began last September 2023 at Itaqui OPL, has now expanded and relies on Nova Offshore, a subsidiary of Bunker One, to secure the highest international safety standards.

As of mid-August, vessels, including general cargo, bulk carriers, and tankers, can be supplied in the new position. This location is a crucial alternative fueling station for the Santos and Rio de Janeiro ports and most East South Atlantic routes. The Offshore Oil & Gas segment will also benefit from this new option, with Sepetiba OPL positioned near key pre-salt basins such as Campos and Santos. These offshore support vessels can now refuel via Bunker Only Calls, allowing them to avoid port entry, thus reducing waiting times and operational costs.

“The launch of this new operation underscores the success of the STS Bunkering model in Brazil and highlights the immense potential of our market. We have demonstrated that the demand is there and that it is possible to provide world-class assistance to our customers. Now, we are eager to continue our partnership with Acelen to support the growth of the Brazilian bunker industry,” says Flavio Ribeiro, CEO of Bunker One (Brazil).

“For Acelen, the expansion of this partnership demonstrates the operation’s success and reaffirms the company’s commitment to providing fuel on a continuous and expanding basis. “Bunker oil is an important product in our portfolio, which complies with all international and national regulations, such as IMO 2020, which limited the sulfur content in marine fuels to 0.5% m/m (mass by mass). We are the largest marine fuel oil (bunker oil) refinery in the country and will continue to contribute to developing new businesses, therefore driving the state’s economy,” emphasises Acelen’s Vice President of Commercial, Trading, and Shipping, Cristiano da Costa.

The operation in Sepetiba strengthens the partnership between Bunker One and Acelen, confirming the success of STS Bunkering and the market’s acceptance of this type of refuelling. The expectation is to supply 20,000 tons of bunker per month in Sepetiba. Following the recent announcement by the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP), both companies are preparing to offer a biofuel blend soon.