Petrobras has resumed sales of very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) at Brazil’s Port of Itaqui after postponing scheduled maintenance on the fuel’s supply pipeline, according to Ship & Bunker. Meanwhile, sales of marine gasoil (MGO) at the port remain suspended as previously planned, the outlet reported.
Pipeline Maintenance Timeline
According to Ship & Bunker, the VLSFO pipeline maintenance had originally been scheduled to run from August 18 to September 7. Petrobras informed customers in an emailed note on Tuesday that this work has been postponed, though no new date has been set, as reported by Ship & Bunker.
With the delay confirmed, Petrobras said VLSFO sales at Itaqui have resumed following the updated schedule, Ship & Bunker noted.
MGO pipeline maintenance at the port, however, is proceeding as originally planned. Ship & Bunker reports that this work began July 29 and is set to continue through November 9, spanning roughly 103 days. Throughout this period, MGO sales will remain suspended, affecting both supply and receipt of the fuel at Itaqui’s berths, according to the report.
Delivery Method at Itaqui
Petrobras supplies bunker fuels across Brazilian ports using a combination of pipe and barge delivery, but Ship & Bunker notes that deliveries at Itaqui are conducted exclusively via pipeline, in line with information published on the firm’s website.
Does This Matter to You?
Vessel operators and bunker buyers planning calls at Itaqui should take note of the shifting maintenance schedule. The resumption of VLSFO sales removes one potential supply disruption, but the continued suspension of MGO sales through early November means operators relying on that grade will need to arrange alternative sourcing or adjust bunkering plans for calls at this port during the maintenance window.
Because Itaqui deliveries depend solely on pipeline infrastructure rather than barge alternatives, any further changes to maintenance schedules could have an outsized effect on fuel availability at the port. Traders and operators tracking Brazilian bunker markets may want to monitor Petrobras’ customer communications for further updates, particularly regarding whether a new VLSFO maintenance date is announced.
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
