Porto do Açu to Produce Sustainable Synthetic Fuel via Carbon Capture

The administration of Porto do Açu in northern Rio de Janeiro has launched a project to produce synthetic fuel within the port complex using direct air capture of carbon. Known as DAC-to-Sea, the initiative aims to create a sustainable alternative for maritime transport that could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 90 percent over its life cycle compared to fossil fuels. The project seeks US$ 700 million, approximately 3.6 billion Brazilian reais, through the BNDES to execute all development phases.

The facility is designed to capture roughly 5,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year, which will produce about 300 liters of synthetic fuel daily. This fuel is intended to replace marine gas oil used in small and medium sized vessels. Eugenio Figueiredo, CEO of Porto do Açu, noted that the current production volume is low and cannot replace the bunker fuel used by large long haul ships. He stated that the primary goal is to test the technological chain and scalability so the model can be replicated later.

The project is a partnership with Repsol Sinopec Brasil, a joint venture between Spain's Repsol and China's Sinopec. Repsol aims to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 through investments in carbon capture and sustainable hydrocarbons. The initiative is coordinated by Cais Açu Lab, the port's innovation center. This effort aligns with the International Maritime Organization's 2023 strategy to reduce maritime carbon emissions by at least 40 percent by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.