Transpetro’s sustainability commitments: Decarbonization, clean energy, and water management

Transpetro cuts emissions and fuel consumption with ships, solar energy and water-saving programs at terminals.
Vista posterior de un buque de Transpetro en dique seco, con hélice expuesta y tripulación en labores de inspección, como parte de mejoras para eficiencia energética y reducción de emisiones.

Transpetro is firmly committed to the energy transition and continues to make decisive progress in its decarbonization plan. The company is constantly investing in innovative solutions and technologies to reduce emissions in its vessels and terminals, adopt clean energy and strengthen water management, integrating sustainability as an essential part of its strategic decisions.

In 2023, the entity managed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 8.3% compared to the previous year. In addition, the fuel consumption of its fleet also decreased, saving more than 8,000 tons of bunker, or marine fuel.

In the marine sector, the company has implemented various technologies to improve energy efficiency, such as hydrodynamic appendages applied to the hull, propellers and rudders. These innovations, together with the incorporation of monitoring software for speed control, have optimized efficiency in marine operations. Another key aspect has been the use of special paints that prevent the accumulation of debris on the hull, reducing friction and, therefore, fuel consumption.

Looking ahead, the new vessels in Transpetro’s fleet will be equipped with technologies that will comply with the emission levels established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These ships will be equipped with more fuel-efficient equipment and will have the capacity to adapt to alternative fuels, such as ethanol, in the future. Thanks to these innovations, the new ships are expected to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30% compared to the current fleet. Moreover, when running on ethanol, their operations will be completely decarbonized.

Clean energy and water management

Since April 2023, the company has been operating the Petrobras System’s first solar photovoltaic power plant, located at the Guarulhos Terminal, in São Paulo, completely powered by solar energy. Thanks to this plant, the emission of more than 240 tons of CO₂ per year will be avoided. In line with its commitment to clean energy, the company is developing a second solar plant at the Belém terminal in northern Brazil, which will come on line in the first half of 2025. In addition, planning is already underway for a third solar facility at the Coari terminal, also in northern Brazil, further expanding its renewable energy generation portfolio.

Transpetro's solar photovoltaic plant at the Guarulhos Terminal, integrated with fuel storage facilities.
The first solar plant operated by Transpetro in the Petrobras System is already in operation in Guarulhos, avoiding more than 240 tons of CO₂ per year.

In addition to its advances in clean energy, the corporation has made significant progress in hydrological management through reuse and recycling projects. Over the past five years, these initiatives have reduced freshwater consumption by 10%, which is equivalent to supplying approximately 2,160 people for an entire year.

With these sustainability initiatives, the company continues to consolidate its position as a leader in Brazil’s energy transition. Its strategy, based on environmental responsibility and commitment to society’s demands, reaffirms its role as a protagonist in building a cleaner and more sustainable future.


This article was developed by Transpetro and published as part of the fourth edition of Inspenet Brief magazine December 2024, dedicated to technical content in the energy and industrial sector.