Posted on December 8, 2025
The Port of Açu will begin its first dredging operation using HVO biofuel in 2026, in partnership with Van Oord, reinforcing Brazil’s port decarbonization agenda.
On December 2, 2025, the Port of Açu and Van Oord announced an unprecedented initiative in the Brazilian maritime sector: the first operation of dredging with biofuel Using HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), a renewable diesel that promises to significantly reduce emissions associated with port activities. According to an article published by Guiamarítimo and other media outlets, the adoption of the fuel will begin in 2026, during the maintenance dredging of the channels of the port complex located in the north of the State of Rio de Janeiro.
Decarbonization as a strategic priority at the Port of Açu
The announcement represents a milestone for the energy transition in Brazilian ports and positions the Port of Açu at the forefront of decarbonization in the maritime sector. According to information released by Guiamarítimo, the partnership reflects the port’s alignment with global sustainability goals and reinforces Van Oord’s commitment to maritime operations with less environmental impact.
The decision to use HVO in dredging stems from a consistent decarbonization agenda that the Port of Açu has been implementing over the past few years. As one of the largest port and industrial complexes in the country, Açu has advocated for the adoption of renewable fuels for tugboats, support vessels and, now, dredging operations.
The port had already carried out important pilot operations with HVO in 2025. In March of that year, the Liquid Terminal (TLA) received the first supply of green biofuel for a tugboat in Brazil. In October, five tugboats participated in a maritime maneuver fueled exclusively with HVO, marking another national first.
Van Oord and the advancement in dredging with biofuel
Van Oord, one of the world’s largest marine engineering companies, will be responsible for conducting HVO dredging at the Port of Açu. The company has extensive experience in coastal, port, and offshore infrastructure projects across several continents and has been expanding sustainability initiatives in its global operations.
The adoption of renewable fuel in dredging reinforces the company’s strategy of reducing direct emissions and meeting increasingly stringent environmental standards in ports and shipping lanes.
The partnership between Porto do Açu and Van Oord symbolizes the union between technological innovation and environmental commitment in a sector historically dependent on fossil fuels.
The partnership highlights the Port of Açu’s commitment to driving the energy transition in the Brazilian port sector, adopting solutions aligned with new environmental standards. The initiative strengthens the complex’s contribution to global efforts to reduce emissions and advance sustainable energy, emphasizes Vinicius Patel, Director of Port Administration and Services.
How will HVO dredging be applied at the Port of Açu?
Dredging with biofuel and environmental goals
The operation planned for 2026 consists of maintenance dredging of the access channels to the Port of Açu, essential to ensure adequate depth and safety for large vessels. The use of HVO in high-powered dredgers can significantly reduce CO₂ equivalent emissions when compared to conventional marine diesel.
The new operational model could set a new standard for sustainable dredging in Brazil.
The presence of HVO in the Brazilian maritime sector.
HVO is among the most promising biofuels on the international market due to its high energy efficiency, stability, and compatibility with existing engines. Unlike traditional biodiesel, HVO can replace fossil diesel without the need for structural modifications, which facilitates its widespread adoption.
In Brazil, the Port of Açu has distinguished itself as one of the main hubs for testing and operations with renewable diesel, functioning as a refueling point and operational laboratory. The consistency of operations carried out throughout 2025 allowed the port and Van Oord to expand the use of the fuel for maintenance dredging.
The role of the Port of Açu in the energy transition.
The Port of Açu is consolidating itself as one of the most important centers for sustainable energy in the country. In addition to initiatives with… biofuelsThe complex also participates in projects related to green hydrogen, ammonia, renewable energy, and industrial decarbonization.
Infrastructure required for the continuous use of HVO
To carry out dredging with HVO, it will be necessary to maintain a consistent supply logistics system adapted to the consumption of Van Oord’s large dredgers.
One of the essential elements in this process is the Liquids Terminal (TLA), which has already demonstrated the capacity to receive, store, and distribute renewable fuel during tests conducted in 2025.
This type of infrastructure will be vital to support the increased demand for sustainable fuels in maritime operations, especially if other companies and terminals in the country begin replicating the practices adopted by the Port of Açu.
Challenges and opportunities in the use of renewable fuels
Despite the progress, some challenges remain, such as the still high cost of HVO compared to conventional diesel and the limited supply in the Brazilian market. The expansion of domestic production and increased competitiveness should be decisive factors in increasing the use of this type of fuel.
On the other hand, increasing regulatory pressure and the advancement of environmental policies in Brazil and abroad should accelerate investments in renewable energy sources for the maritime sector.
Ports that adopt low-carbon solutions tend to position themselves more competitively in international trade. The adoption of HVO in dredging could be a game-changer in the environmental agenda of the Brazilian port sector.
Relevance of this advancement for the future of the port sector.
The initiative announced by Porto do Açu and Van Oord represents not only a technological step, but a cultural shift in how port operations are planned and executed. The combination of emissions reduction, operational innovation, and public commitment to environmental goals aligns the Brazilian port sector with global sustainability agendas.
Furthermore, this experience could become a replicable model for other ports, paving the way for a greener, more efficient maritime supply chain aligned with international decarbonization guidelines. This advancement symbolizes a structural transformation, capable of redefining standards and expectations within logistics and port infrastructure.
