Petrobras, the Brazilian state energy company, has restarted bunker fuel supply operations at the Rio de Janeiro terminal after a pause due to a tropical storm. The recent storm, which brought winds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, damaged local infrastructure and caused power outages in the southern city. After power was restored and facilities were inspected, loading operations resumed.
Bunker Fuel Supply Details
Prior to the storm, there was a shortage of VLSFO and LSMGO bunker fuel at the Rio de Janeiro terminal. This terminal not only supplies bunker fuel but also serves as a mixing and loading site for B24-VLSFO. In January, Petrobras had agreed to load up to 12,000 tons of B24-VLSFO this year for the Norwegian chemical tanker owner Odfjell via dedicated barges.
Read more: Increase in LNG and LPG Transportation Rates in the International Market
Other Developments in the Bunker Fuel Market
Meanwhile, Hapag-Lloyd has utilized liquid biomethane in the initial ZEMBA tender and, along with North Sea Container Line (NCL), has won the electronic fuel tender for 2027. The two companies plan to use electronic methanol fuel in one of their intercontinental shipping routes, and NCL will also employ green ammonia fuel on a northern Europe route. These actions are expected to help reduce approximately 120,000 tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over three years starting in 2027.
Additionally, Azane Fuel Solutions has agreed to source ammonia fuel from Yara and sell it to bunker buyers. This fuel supply relates to Azane's recent agreement with energy company Equinor to provide ammonia fuel for truck-to-ship loading operations.
Furthermore, reports indicate that in August 2026, the Port of Gibraltar recorded 476 bunker calls, a 6 percent increase from 449 calls in the same month last year. In the first eight months of this year, the port has registered 3,809 bunker calls, reflecting an 11 percent increase compared to last year. The port has also faced higher demand during the summer season, particularly due to an increase in cruise ship calls.
Given the various processes in the bunker fuel market and the supply of new fuels, it seems that the shipping industry is moving towards the use of cleaner fuels and reducing its environmental impacts. These developments could improve fueling conditions and reduce pollution in ports.
