New Port Equipment Reduces Fuel Usage

Porto Itapoá in Brazil avoided the consumption of over 1.18 million litres of fuel in 2024, equivalent to more than 4,000 tons of greenhouse gases that were not released into the atmosphere. This achievement was made possible by investments of over R$ 160 million that the Terminal made in expanding and modernizing its fleet of equipment.

In 2023, Porto Itapoá invested in the acquisition of 10 hybrid RTGs, which began operating in 2024. These machines consume three times less diesel than conventional models, resulting in savings of 890,000 litres of fuel. Sergni Pessoa Rosa Jr., Director of Operations, Technology, and Environment at Porto Itapoá, emphasized the importance of this change: “The new RTGs are also remotely operated, providing greater comfort and ergonomics for the operator. We are the first Terminal in South America to have this technology,” he stated.

In 2024, the terminal expanded its sustainable fleet with the purchase of 20 electric Terminal Tractors. Since the start of their operation in August 2024, these vehicles have prevented the consumption of 290,000 litres of diesel. Since they do not use fossil fuels, the electric Terminal Tractors represent a significant advance in reducing the terminal’s carbon footprint. “Today, we have the largest fleet of electric Terminal Tractors in Brazil,” highlights Rosa Jr.

Savings in Lubricating Oil and Filters

In addition to reducing diesel consumption, Porto Itapoá also implemented practices that extended the lifespan of lubricating oils and optimized preventive maintenance. These actions, combined with fleet modernization, resulted in savings of 15,000 liters of lubricating oil and 500 filters. “Extending the life of lubricants and optimizing maintenance are examples of how small changes can have a big impact. These practices not only reduce costs but also minimize waste generation,” explains Sergni Pessoa Rosa Jr.

The used oil is sent to a company that recycles the material, which is then reintroduced into the market for other purposes. “Even with proper disposal, it is important to reduce overall consumption, making the supply chain more sustainable,” the director notes.

Environmental Leadership

In January, Porto Itapoá reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the port sector. At an event held at B3 in São Paulo, the Terminal’s CEO, Ricardo Arten, signed the Pact for Sustainability, a pioneering initiative by the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor), led by Minister Sílvio Costa Filho. Porto Itapoá is one of the leading examples of sustainability among private ports in the country.

The Pact is part of the launch of the new Sustainability Policy for the ports, airports, and waterways sectors. The initiative establishes strict criteria for awarding recognition seals — Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond — to companies that adopt practices based on ESG pillars (environmental, social, and governance). Requirements include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, developing social and environmental initiatives, and aligning with global goals of the 2030 Agenda.

Porto Itapoá is already widely recognized as a benchmark for sustainability in the Brazilian port sector, with a score of 98.33 in the Environmental Development Index (IDA) by National Waterway Transport Agency (ANTAQ). This performance earned the Terminal the Via Viva Award as the most sustainable private port in the country. It also won, for the third consecutive year, the Gold Seal from the GHG Protocol for its commitment to transparency, accuracy, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, it received the international I-REC certification, confirming that 100% of the electricity used in 2023 came from renewable sources.

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Porto Itapoá Announces Phase Four of its Expansion

 

Port of Sudeste to Deploy Maritime Emissions Portal

RightShip, a leading environmental, social and governance (ESG) focused digital maritime platform, has today announced a partnership with Port of Sudeste, located in Itaguai, Rio de Janeiro, to start utilising RightShip’s Maritime Emissions Portal (MEP) for the first time in the Latin American region.

MEP is a unique digital solution that combines AIS vessel movement data with RightShip’s vessel insights. Its primary objective is to calculate ships’ emissions and identify areas of opportunity to reduce environmental impact. MEP provides crucial support and access to unparalleled maritime datasets. This helps ports and terminals to effectively measure and manage their emissions, thereby supporting decarbonisation strategies that align with global, regional, and national targets.

Port of Sudeste recently announced aims to reduce its scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions from operations by 50.4% by 2033 compared to the base year 2021. With scope 3 emissions representing one of the main challenges for the ports and terminals sector in reaching net zero, the addition of MEP now provides Porto Sudeste with a tool to monitor and reduce scope 3 emissions as part of its broader decarbonisation strategy.

Ulisses Oliveira, Sustainability Director at the Port of Sudeste, said: “Our aim at the Port of Sudeste is to maintain the highest levels of sustainability and efficiency. By teaming up with RightShip, we can obtain precise data and valuable insights to measure vessel emissions in the port and create effective strategies to reduce our environmental footprint.”

MEP employs an energy-based modelling approach based on UNEP and UNFCCC guidelines to calculate vessel-based emissions. Emissions are calculated in four separate operational modes across defined points of interest specified by the Port of Sudeste, making this platform a genuinely tailor-made solution for every port.

Commenting on the partnership, Anthony Teo, Head of the Americas Region, Vice President at RightShip, stated, “We are thrilled to announce that the Port of Sudeste is set to become the first port in Latin America to utilise our Maritime Emissions Platform. This partnership results from our years-long collaboration and signifies the port’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and excellence. We are confident that our advanced tool will assist the Port of Sudeste in developing effective strategies for decarbonisation and improving local air quality. This marks a significant milestone in RightShip’s vision of promoting a zero harm maritime industry.”

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