Situated between São João da Barra and Campos dos Goytacazes in the northern reaches of Rio de Janeiro state, the Port of Açu complex is leading the charge in the United Nations Global Compact initiative. Launched recently at Casa Firjan, this innovative endeavor is poised to usher in a new era of energy transition for ports and maritime transport.
Through the establishment of the Ocean Business Working Group, the Port of Açu is taking the reins as the first corporate hub in Brazil dedicated to propelling the shift towards cleaner energy solutions in the maritime and port industries.
The Ocean Business Working Group’s mission is multifaceted. It aims to meticulously survey both domestic and international landscapes pertaining to energy transition and the decarbonization of port and maritime sectors. The group seeks to address not only the opportunities but also the challenges that lie ahead for Brazil in this context.
With over 30 companies already enlisted, this collaborative effort is indicative of a rising tide of enthusiasm for cleaner energy solutions. Among these companies, a mere two are in the process of constructing infrastructure tailored for vessels powered by biomethane, ammonia, biogas, and green hydrogen. Notably, the Port of Açu stands as one of these pioneering entities.
José Firmo, CEO of Porto do Açu Operations, underscores the pivotal role ports play in realizing global decarbonization targets. He emphasizes that these vital gateways provide the essential infrastructure for producing and storing alternative fuels, thus supporting the maritime fleet’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
Firmo envisions the Port of Açu as a direct contributor to Brazil’s energy transition narrative. He asserts that Brazil’s potential to lead this transformation can only be harnessed through concerted collaboration among diverse stakeholders. This underscores the paramount significance of the Ocean Business Working Group for the nation.
Carlo Pereira, CEO of the UN Global Compact in Brazil, highlights the central role of maritime transport and port operations in the journey towards carbon neutrality. He asserts that Brazil, with its innate aptitude, has the potential to become a trailblazer in this new energy paradigm. Pereira, however, underscores the need for proactive engagement to transform this comparative advantage into a competitive edge.
As Açu’s advisory body echoes, the shipping sector commands a staggering 80% share of global trade volume and contributes approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Amid these staggering statistics, the Port of Açu’s commitment to the UN Global Compact and its dedication to reporting annually on progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) solidify its position as a beacon of sustainability.
With its EcoPorts certification received in September 2021, the Port of Açu has proven its commitment to environmental stewardship. This certification, regarded as a pinnacle of international recognition for port sector environmental management, attests to the port’s alignment with sustainable goals.
As the Port of Açu steers the maritime and port sectors towards a cleaner, greener horizon, it showcases the pivotal role of visionary collaboration in driving the energy transition journey.
