Petrobras has secured authorisation to supply marine fuel by barge to vessels bound for foreign destinations at Brazil’s Port of Suape, according to Ship & Bunker.
The Brazilian energy company’s bunker division can now deliver fuel to export-bound ships calling at the port using barge operations, expanding on services it already offers there. Petrobras confirmed the development in a customer note issued on Thursday, stating: “We would like to inform you that we have received authorization to sell products for vessels bound for foreign destinations (exports) via barge at the Port of SUAPE,” as reported by Ship & Bunker.
Location and Existing Operations
The Port of Suape is situated in Pernambuco state, in Brazil’s northeast region. Petrobras maintains a broad bunkering presence across the country, supplying fuel at numerous ports nationwide, according to Ship & Bunker.
This latest approval builds on a move Petrobras announced earlier in the month, when the company confirmed it was prepared to deliver very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) and low sulphur marine gas oil (LSMGO) via barge to berthed vessels at Suape, Ship & Bunker reported.
Does This Matter to You?
The expanded barge authorisation at Suape adds a new bunkering option for vessels engaged in international trade that call at this northeastern Brazilian port. Ship operators and charterers routing through the region may now have access to fuel supply via barge rather than being limited to alternative delivery methods, potentially offering more flexibility for voyage planning.
For bunker traders and fuel buyers, an additional barge-supply point at a Brazilian port broadens the network of available Petrobras services, which already spans multiple locations across the country. Since the approval specifically covers export-bound vessels, this may be of particular relevance to operators managing outbound cargo movements through Suape.
The source material does not specify pricing, volumes, or a start date for the expanded service, so further operational details are not yet available.
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
