Brazilian energy giant Petrobras has issued a formal notice to customers warning that planned pipeline maintenance will temporarily halt bunker fuel supply at the Port of Itaqui, according to Ship & Bunker.
The maintenance program affects both VLSFO and MGO supply and receipt operations across all berths at the northeastern Brazilian port.
What’s Being Affected and When
According to Ship & Bunker, the maintenance windows are as follows:
- VLSFO pipelines: Scheduled maintenance from August 18 to September 7
- MGO pipelines: Scheduled maintenance from July 29 to November 9
Petrobras confirmed in a note to customers that “during this period, sales of the affected products will be temporarily suspended.”
The MGO window is notably lengthy, spanning more than three months, which could pose a more sustained challenge for vessels calling at the port during that period.
Why Pipeline-Only Delivery Matters Here
While Petrobras offers bunker fuels at Brazilian ports via both pipeline and barge, Ship & Bunker notes that deliveries at Itaqui are ex-pipe only. This means there is no barge-based alternative to fall back on during the maintenance period, leaving vessels unable to bunker at the port for the affected fuel grades during the scheduled windows.
Does This Matter to You?
For anyone involved in voyage planning, fuel procurement, or vessel scheduling on routes that include calls at Itaqui, this development carries direct practical significance. The port serves as a key hub in northeastern Brazil, and the extended MGO suspension in particular — running from late July through early November — could require adjustments to bunkering strategies well in advance.
Given the absence of barge delivery options at this location, there is no workaround available at the port itself. Vessels requiring either VLSFO or MGO during the respective maintenance windows will need to bunker at alternative Brazilian ports or adjust scheduling accordingly.
Advance planning will be essential, particularly for the longer MGO window, which spans a significant portion of the second half of the year.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
