Norsul Starts Ship-to-Ship Bunkering Operation in São Marcos Bay

Norsul, one of the largest Brazilian navigation and logistics integration companies, is taking a significant step in its strategy for diversification and growth. Meeting the growing market demand, the company announces a new ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operation, which involves refueling large vessels. This service will be carried out in the anchorage area of São Marcos Bay, in Maranhão, using a vessel of approximately 16,000 DWT.

Diversification and Growth

In synergy with the business diversification strategy, the new service is part of an alignment with the evolution of the Brazilian navigation market. “In this context, an excellent opportunity arises for us to offer our services in waterway transport beyond cabotage. Starting this month, we are expanding our operations to port support with the provision of STS bunkering services,” explains Christian Lachmann, Norsul’s chartering and operations director. Lachmann highlights that this moment reflects the company’s strategy, which, at 60 years old, seeks new sectors and partnerships, reinforcing its leadership in the navigation market.

Expansion and Expertise

“We are in a new phase of company expansion and business diversification. In 2023, we started with container cabotage with Norcoast, and now we are informing the market that we also carry out port operations of ship-to-ship bunkering, once again expanding our core business,” emphasizes Lachmann. Since 2014, Norsul has been transporting a wide range of liquid bulk, including IMO 1 and IMO 2 classified cargoes. In 2016, it began transporting hydrocarbons, chemicals, agricultural oils, and biofuels. In 2023, the company transported 2.9 million tons of liquid cargo. “Our expertise in liquid transport was crucial for this new operation, which is more operationally complex. The brand’s solidity and credibility allowed us to enter this new niche,” adds Lachmann.

Importance of Bunker

Bunker fuel is fundamentally important for the proper functioning of national and international trade, being the main fuel source for vessels. According to data from Allied Market Research, the global bunker market was valued at 109.6 billion dollars in 2020, with an expected growth of 4.3% per year, reaching a value of 164.9 billion dollars by 2030.

Operation in São Marcos Bay

Norsul’s operation will be carried out in an area of the Port of Itaqui, located in São Marcos Bay. According to Fabiana Durant, Executive Nautical Manager at Norsul, “Besides being in one of the main ports in the country, this region has one of the largest tidal ranges in Brazil, which can exceed seven meters, resulting in strong sea currents. The operation requires expertise to handle the intense variations in environmental conditions; however, we have a robust technical team to execute this type of work.”

Due to its location, São Marcos Bay is a relevant and strategic center for national and international trade. With its new STS bunkering operation, Norsul is ready to meet this growing demand, reinforcing its leadership position in the Brazilian navigation market.