Porto Central, currently under development in southern Espírito Santo, has announced a strategic partnership with Repsol Sinopec to carry out future crude oil transshipment operations at its planned liquid bulk terminal. Operations are expected to begin in 2027 using Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) adding significant capacity to Brazil’s maritime oil infrastructure.
According to research by WSB Advisors, Porto Central will become only the second public
port complex in Brazil with infrastructure capable of handling operations at this level of complexity. The only facility with such capabilities currently in operation is the Port of Açu, located roughly 150 kilometers away.
“The agreement is another clear testament to Porto Central’s potential as a key hub for VLCC-scale oil transshipment through ship-to-ship operations. Since last year, the port has secured major agreements with Petrobras, Equinor and CNOOC – also renewed a partnership with M.A.R.S. to develop Brazil’s first Ship Recycling and Decommissioning Yard,” notes Daniel Buckley, Chartering Manager at WSB Advisors and tanker specialist.
