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. This innovative approach promises to significantly reduce emissions associated with port activities. According to reports from Guiamarítimo and various media outlets, the adoption of HVO will commence in 2026, during the maintenance dredging of the channels within the extensive port complex located in the north of Rio de Janeiro state.
Decarbonization as a Strategic Priority at the Port of Açu
The announcement marks a significant milestone for the energy transition within Brazilian ports, positioning the Port of Açu at the forefront of maritime decarbonization efforts. The partnership exemplifies the port’s commitment to global sustainability goals, reinforcing Van Oord’s dedication to conducting maritime operations with reduced environmental impact.
The decision to incorporate HVO in dredging operations aligns with a clear decarbonization agenda that the Port of Açu has embraced in recent years. Recognized as one of Brazil’s largest port and industrial complexes, Açu has championed the transition to renewable fuels for tugboats, support vessels, and now, dredging operations.
Notably, the port had already conducted important pilot operations with HVO in 2025. For instance, in March, the Liquid Terminal (TLA) received the first-ever supply of green biofuel for a tugboat in Brazil. By October, five tugboats operated a maritime maneuver fueled exclusively by HVO, marking yet another national achievement.
Van Oord and the Advancement in Dredging with Biofuel
Van Oord, one of the world’s leading marine engineering companies, will oversee the HVO dredging operations at the Port of Açu. With extensive experience in coastal, port, and offshore infrastructure projects across various continents, the company has been making strides in its sustainability initiatives worldwide.
The introduction of renewable fuel in dredging operations is a testament to the company’s strategy aimed at reducing direct emissions and adhering to increasingly stringent environmental standards in global ports and shipping lanes.
This collaboration between Porto do Açu and Van Oord symbolizes a powerful convergence of technological innovation and environmental commitment within a sector that has historically relied heavily on fossil fuels. It highlights the port’s ongoing commitment to spearheading the energy transition in Brazilian maritime sectors.
How Will HVO Dredging Be Applied at the Port of Açu?
Dredging with Biofuel and Environmental Goals
The operation scheduled for 2026 will involve maintenance dredging of the access channels to the Port of Açu, which is critical for ensuring adequate depth and safety for large vessels. Utilizing HVO in high-powered dredgers can substantially lower CO₂ equivalent emissions, especially compared to conventional marine diesel.
International studies demonstrate that HVO can significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions throughout the fuel’s lifecycle, depending on the raw materials used. This reduction is vital for port operations, which have traditionally contributed a considerable share of their emissions to fuel consumption.
The new operational model could establish a new benchmark for sustainable dredging practices in Brazil.
The Presence of HVO in the Brazilian Maritime Sector
HVO ranks among the most promising biofuels on the global market, offering high energy efficiency, stability, and compatibility with existing engines. Unlike traditional biodiesel, HVO can directly replace fossil diesel without necessitating structural modifications, paving the way for its broader adoption.
The Port of Açu is setting itself apart as a primary hub for testing and deploying renewable diesel, serving as both a refueling station and an operational testing ground. The consistent operations carried out throughout 2025 allowed the port—and Van Oord—to extend the use of HVO into maintenance dredging.
The Role of the Port of Açu in the Energy Transition
The Port of Açu is establishing itself as a critical center for sustainable energy in Brazil. In addition to initiatives involving biofuels, the complex is also engaged in projects related to green hydrogen, ammonia production, renewable energy, and industrial decarbonization.
Since 2024, the port has been involved in a series of studies conducted by ANTAQ (National Agency for Waterway Transportation) focusing on low-carbon infrastructure and incentives to minimize its environmental footprint. These efforts underscore the port’s institutional commitment to sustainability and its emerging role as a model for environmentally friendly maritime operations.
Infrastructure Required for the Continuous Use of HVO
Implementing HVO dredging necessitates maintaining a reliable supply logistics system tailored to meet the demands of Van Oord’s large dredgers.
A critical component in this endeavor is the Liquids Terminal (TLA), which has already demonstrated its capability to receive, store, and distribute renewable fuel during testing phases conducted in 2025.
This type of infrastructure will prove essential to support the growing demand for sustainable fuels in maritime operations, especially as other companies and terminals in Brazil aim to mirror the practices established by the Port of Açu.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Use of Renewable Fuels
Despite the advancements, challenges persist, including the relatively high cost of HVO compared to conventional diesel and the limited supply within the Brazilian market. Expanding domestic production and boosting competitiveness will be key to increasing HVO adoption.
Conversely, escalating regulatory pressures and progressive environmental policies both in Brazil and internationally are likely to accelerate investments in renewable energy sources for the maritime sector.
Ports that embrace low-carbon solutions often enhance their competitiveness in international trade. The application of HVO in dredging operations could serve as a transformative element in the environmental agenda of Brazil’s port sector.
Relevance of This Advancement for the Future of the Port Sector
The initiative unveiled by Porto do Açu and Van Oord signifies not merely a technological advancement but also a cultural shift in the planning and execution of port operations. This alignment of emissions reduction, operational innovation, and public commitment to environmental objectives closely ties the Brazilian port sector to global sustainability frameworks.
Moreover, this experience can serve as a replicable model for other ports, paving the way for a greener, more efficient maritime supply chain that conforms with international decarbonization standards. This advancement represents a structural transformation that could redefine norms and expectations in logistics and port infrastructure.