Wilson Sons launched a biofuel trial on tugboats at the iron ore loading terminal of Ferroport, at Açu Port, in São João da Barra. The initiative, aimed at decarbonizing operations, used Be8 BeVant, developed by Be8, on the tugboat WS Rosalvo, with expectations of reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 99% compared to marine diesel oil.
During the trials, performance, durability and emissions analyses will be conducted, using telemetry from WS Rosalvo to prepare a report with the project findings, which will be submitted for international certification.
Ferroport's Sustainability Manager, Edenilson Sanches, highlighted the importance of the initiative. "This project has the potential to reduce the port's indirect emissions as a whole, also contributing to reducing Anglo American's indirect emissions, through the reduction of Wilson Sons' direct emissions, representing a joint effort by the entire port community to implement more energy-efficient operations with lower carbon intensity," he said.
According to Wilson Sons' Executive Director for Tugboats, Márcio Castro, the trials with the new biofuel reinforce the importance of strategic partnerships, reaffirming Wilson Sons' commitment to decarbonization. "We are always seeking new technologies that contribute to the safety, efficiency and sustainability of the port sector," he noted.
In 2025, Wilson Sons and Vast also conducted the first trials of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) use in the Brazilian maritime sector. HVO, known as renewable diesel or green diesel, was used in Wilson Sons' tugboats operating at Açu Port, replacing marine diesel oil.
Be8 BeVant is a "drop-in" biodiesel
Produced at Be8's facility in Passo Fundo (RS), from soybean oil, animal fat and used cooking oil (UCO), Be8 BeVant is a "drop-in" biodiesel. As such, it is used directly in the vessel's engine without the need to alter its structure.
```"We are talking about a biofuel developed and produced in Brazil that delivers technical performance similar to conventional fuel and, at the same time, generates a transformative environmental impact, without transition equipment investment costs," said Be8 president Erasmo Carlos Battistella.
According to Be8's Director of Energy Transition, Camilo Adas, there were two years of chemical development and one additional year of testing on a test bench, in partnership with companies such as Mahle.
"Our idea was simple: if we are going to create a product for 100% pure use, without blending, it should be the best possible for that. We wanted an ideal product that could be used directly in the engine without changing absolutely anything in the infrastructure chain," the executive explained.
Thus, the process included several testing cycles, reformulations and joint work with strategic partners to ensure quality, energy efficiency and regulatory viability. Despite the advantages, the challenge of popularizing biofuels in Brazil remains significant. For Adas, the main obstacle is cultural and historical.
"Common sense is still fossil. When Henry Ford began producing his vehicles, he used corn ethanol. Rudolf Diesel himself presented his engine powered by peanut oil. But the geopolitical force of petroleum imposed itself, shaping a system that dominated the world for over a century," the executive added.
