A new consortium between Brazil and Belgium, driven by Global Maritime Forum and RMI, will work on developing a green maritime corridor between the Port of Açu in Brazil and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium.
The initiative seeks to create a transatlantic route to transport zero or near-zero emission fuels produced in Açu, such as e-ammonia and e-methanol.
Additionally, the associated maritime transport could also operate using these same fuels, integrating production, logistics, and consumption in a decarbonized chain.
Açu Will Connect E-Fuels with Europe
The consortium between Brazil and Belgium brings together port teams from Açu and Antwerp-Bruges, along with fuel developers and international shipping companies. Participants include HIF Global, Fuella, NYK Line, Höegh Autoliners, and Wallenius Wilhelmsen.
The group will evaluate port infrastructure, vessel availability, business models, and supply conditions to build a roadmap that enables the transport of e-fuels from Brazil to Europe.
The project seeks to respond to growing European demand for sustainable synthetic fuels while positioning Brazil as a competitive supplier within the global green hydrogen and derivatives economy.
The Corridor Between Brazil and Belgium Is Based on Pre-Feasibility
The new phase is supported by a pre-feasibility study prepared by RMI and Global Maritime Forum in November 2025. That analysis highlighted the competitive potential of synthetic fuel produced in Açu, due to Brazil’s renewable electricity matrix, its solar and wind resources, green hydrogen support policies, and favorable capital conditions.
A previous report, Oceans of Opportunity, also identified the Port of Açu as a high-potential e-fuels export hub capable of connecting Brazilian renewable production with international markets.
According to the corridor concept, vessels transporting fuels produced in Açu could use those same zero or low-emission fuels during the voyage to Europe.
Green Corridors to Decarbonize Vessels
Green maritime corridors are specific commercial routes where public and private actors coordinate investments, infrastructure, demand, and regulation to make low-emission maritime transport viable.
These routes are considered relevant to achieving the shipping sector’s goal that zero-emission fuels represent at least 5% of total consumption by 2030.
However, one of the main challenges remains the cost gap between conventional fuels and zero-emission fuels. The consortium between Brazil and Belgium will seek to advance business models that enable overcoming that barrier and create initial demand for e-ammonia and e-methanol.
Feasibility Analysis Will Be Completed This Year
Global Maritime Forum and RMI will continue facilitating the development of the Açu-Antwerp-Bruges corridor. Work is already advancing from the pre-feasibility stage toward a more detailed feasibility analysis.
The study will evaluate technical, commercial, and logistical conditions to define how the route could operate, what infrastructure would be necessary, and how the supply chain between Brazil and Europe would be structured.
The feasibility analysis is expected to be published by the end of 2026, while the consortium maintains regular meetings to advance the corridor roadmap. If successful, the initiative could become one of the first transatlantic routes dedicated to e-fuels trade and low-emission maritime transport.
Source and Photo: https://globalmaritimeforum.org/
