Working to shape a sustainable future #greenshipping

On September 5, 2024, key stakeholders from Brazil and Norway gathered at the Norwegian Embassy in Brasília for a working lunch organized by ABRAN and Team Norway to advance discussions on cooperation for decarbonizing the maritime and port sectors. The meeting brought together Brazilian government representatives, including the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPOR), ANTAQ, and the Brazilian Navy, alongside ABRAN´s members and representatives from Team Norway.

The event, hosted by Norwegian Ambassador Odd Magne Ruud, with opening words from Felipe Meira, President of ABRAN, provided a platform for open discussions on how both countries could enhance collaboration in achieving sustainable goals for the maritime industry. Presentations were held by MPOR Executive Secretary Mariana Pescatori, ANTAQ General Director Eduardo Nery, ABRAN Executive Director Ricardo Fernandes, Innovation Norway Director Thomas Conradi Granli and were focused on the Policies and Initiatives of Brazil to Increase Activities and Decarbonize the Maritime and Port Industry, ANTAQ’s Role in Regulating and Promoting Sustainable Practices in the Maritime Sector need for clear environmental policies, The Presence of Norwegian Shipowners in Brazil and the Great Potential to Strengthen Collaboration Towards the Green Transition and Expertise of the Norwegian Maritime Sector and Opportunities to Increase Cooperation and Activities in Brazil.

Discussions were also focused on reflections on the potential benefits of creating a sustainability pact between the government and key industry players, eventually prioritizing additional funding for companies committed to reducing emissions. ANTAQ’s role as the regulatory agency of the sector was also discussed and presented successful initiatives, such as the IDA – Environmental Performance Index.

Additionally, ongoing studies to assess the market for green fuels commissioned by the National Energy Policy Council (CNPE) and the potential for offshore wind energy and green hydrogen projects were discussed as promising future developments.

ABRAN’s Executive Director, Ricardo Fernandes, underscored the presence of Norwegian shipowners in Brazil and the vast potential for increased cooperation in the green transition. Success stories, such as the electrification of CBO’s vessels were shared as examples of Brazil’s progress in sustainable maritime practices.

This event marks a significant step towards deepening Brazil-Norway collaboration in driving sustainability within the maritime and port industries. ABRAN remains committed to supporting these initiatives and promoting a green future for the sector.

Norwegian Leaders Visit Skandi Carla During G20

In a remarkable demonstration of the strong maritime ties between Norway and Brazil, Norway’s Minister of Finance, H.E. Mr. Trygve Slagsvold, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Norway, Ms. Ida Wolden Bache, visited the state-of-the-art DOF vessel Skandi Carla. This visit, coinciding with the G20 summit in Brazil, underscores the commitment of both nations to sustainable and innovative maritime operations.

About Skandi Carla

The Skandi Carla, a DP2 class multipurpose vessel, is at the forefront of safe and efficient offshore operations. Under contract with Petrobras since January 2024, the vessel plays a crucial role in subsea inspections of flexible pipelines and equipment, ensuring the maintenance and reliability of Brazil’s offshore infrastructure.

Key Highlights from the Visit

Comprehensive Tour

During the visit, representatives from DOF delivered an in-depth presentation on the company’s operations, innovations, and contributions to the maritime industry. They highlighted DOF’s unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainability.

Annual Maritime Outlook Report

Ricardo Fernandes, Executive Director of ABRAN, presented the Annual Maritime Outlook Report. The report emphasized the significant contributions of Norwegian shipowners to the maritime sector, both in Norway and Brazil.

Value Creation Along the Coast

Norwegian shipowners operate an advanced and diversified fleet, generating NOK 211 billion in value and creating nearly 90,000 jobs in Norway. Their presence in Brazil includes a combined fleet of over 100 modern vessels, demonstrating a long-term commitment to local job creation and economic development.

Commitment to Transparency

The Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA) is dedicated to sustainability and transparency, publishing emissions data regularly. The emissions from the NSA member fleet represent 3% of global shipping emissions and 25% of Norway’s domestic emissions from shipping and fishing.

Leading the Green Transition

Norwegian shipowners are at the forefront of the green transition, utilizing cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices. Their leadership is crucial for achieving a greener future for the maritime industry.

Need for Competitive Frameworks

Mr. Fernandes highlighted the necessity of international and competitive frameworks to ensure the maritime industry’s success and sustainability. A level playing field is essential for the industry’s growth and the advancement of sustainable practices.

Strengthening the Partnership

Brazil remains a key market for Norwegian shipowners. The enduring partnership between Norway and Brazil is vital for driving economic growth and sustainable development in the maritime sector. Together, both nations are navigating towards a more sustainable and prosperous future, reinforcing the maritime bonds that unite them.

This visit not only celebrates the strong ties between Norway and Brazil but also marks a significant step towards a sustainable and innovative maritime future. The collaboration and shared commitment to excellence between the two nations are instrumental in shaping a greener and more prosperous maritime industry.

ABRAN and Brazil’s Navy Forge Stronger Maritime Industry Ties

On July 18, 2024, ABRAN’s representatives, including Executive Director Ricardo Cesar Fernandes, Ivan Cruz from Subsea7, Breno Spolidoro from DOF, and Jorge Silva from OSM Thome, met with Fleet Admiral Sílvio Luís dos Santos and his team at the General Directorate of Navigation (DGN) headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. This significant meeting underscored a mutual commitment to the advancement and sustainable transformation of Brazil’s maritime industry.

Strengthening Partnerships

Fleet Admiral Sílvio Luís welcomed the ABRAN delegation warmly, emphasizing the Brazilian Navy’s recognition of the maritime industry’s crucial role. He stressed the importance of ongoing, open dialogue to collaboratively address industry challenges and enhance the sector’s growth.

ABRAN’s Commitment to Maritime Excellence

Ricardo Fernandes, Executive Director of ABRAN, provided an insightful overview of the association’s mission and activities. He highlighted ABRAN’s vital role in representing Norwegian shipowners across all shipping segments in Brazil. Fernandes also noted ABRAN’s pivotal support during the pandemic, offering authorities a comprehensive sector view to assess the impacts of border closures and travel restrictions on international seafarers.

Fernandes detailed ABRAN’s extensive membership, which includes over 327 vessels globally and more than 30,000 employees. He underscored the members’ long-term commitment to Brazil and their significant contributions to offshore and maritime transport projects. Additional insights were provided by representatives from Subsea7, DOF, and OSM Thome, who elaborated on their companies’ critical roles in the Brazilian oil and gas industry.

Key Topics of Discussion

The discussions were robust and focused on several key areas:

• Decarbonization and Future Fuels: Attendees delved into strategies for industry decarbonization and explored the potential of future fuels and offshore wind opportunities.
• Accelerating the Green Shift: The conversation addressed the challenges and bottlenecks in advancing the green transition, aligning with IMO and EU environmental goals.
• Seafarers’ Education and Workforce Development: The importance of maritime education and training was a major topic, especially considering the current shortage of skilled seafarers in Brazil.

Insights from the Navy

Director General of Navigation expressed his gratitude for the informative dialogue and highlighted the Navy’s interest in learning more about green transition initiatives. He showed particular interest in low-emission fuel technologies, especially biofuels, given their strategic importance for Brazil. Addressing workforce challenges, the Admiral mentioned the Navy’s efforts to update the Maritime Academy’s curriculum in consultation with industry representatives and its collaboration with BNDES to support the green transition, despite budget constraints.

Moving Forward

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with Ricardo Fernandes thanking General Director of Navigation Admiral Sílvio Luís and his team for their invaluable insights and support. Admiral Sílvio Luís confirmed the Navy’s participation in the upcoming Brazil@Nor-Shipping event in 2025, signaling a continued commitment to collaboration and mutual growth.

This productive meeting marks a significant step forward in strengthening the partnership between ABRAN and the Brazilian Navy, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for Brazil’s maritime industry.

Petrobras’ recent fact-finding mission to Norway, organized by ABRAN (Associação Brasileira de Armadores Noruegueses), has concluded with great achievements. This mission marks a step towards a greener future for Brazilian maritime operations. The initiative facilitated important meetings between Petrobras’ team and the Norwegian shipowners’ community, as well as key maritime forums, to explore and leverage opportunities for a green transition.

A Warm Welcome in Ålesund

The mission kicked off in Ålesund, where Petrobras received a warm welcome during a breakfast meeting with the local maritime community. This gathering showcased various future-proof technologies closely linked to sector decarbonization, aligning perfectly with Petrobras’ goals as outlined in their presentation.

Exploring Bergen’s Maritime Opportunities

The second part of the mission took place at the historic headquarters of The Bergen Shipowners Association. Here, a breakfast meeting saw the maritime community engage with Petrobras, who highlighted significant business opportunities and their commitment to accelerating the green transition of its chartered fleet. Bergen’s dynamic maritime sector, renowned for its proven solutions, provided a robust platform for Petrobras’ green ambitions.

Haugesund: A Leap in Maritime Innovation

In Haugesund, the maritime cluster showcased cutting-edge technologies focused on remote operations and green shipping, marking a significant leap in maritime innovation. During breakfast meetings in both Haugesund and Oslo, the local maritime communities were excited by Petrobras’ impressive portfolio of opportunities for the industry. The week concluded at the NSA headquarters in Oslo, where Petrobras engaged in productive discussions about future business opportunities with the maritime community.

Mission Highlights

Ålesund:

• Ulstein: Demonstrated innovative ship design capabilities, including the X-BOW® hull design, known for enhancing fuel efficiency and safety.
• Olympic Next Ship: Presented their latest vessels equipped with state-of-the-art technology for sustainable operations.
• Havila Group: Discussed advanced ferry services prioritizing eco-friendly solutions.
• Kongsberg Maritime: Highlighted leading maritime automation and control systems critical for modern ship operations.

Bergen:

• Corvus Energy: Examined cutting-edge battery solutions for hybrid and fully electric vessels, essential for reducing maritime carbon footprints.
• Havila Polux: Explored green shipping technologies implemented on this vessel, showcasing the future of sustainable shipping.
• DOF Group: Detailed extensive offshore services and innovative marine infrastructure projects.
• PLUG: Presented power shoring technology, crucial for reducing emissions during docked operations.
• Misje Flora: Celebrated the naming ceremony of this new vessel, embodying the latest in green shipping technology.

Haugesund:

• DeepOcean: Held strategic meetings on subsea services and innovative remote operations.
• Solstad: Toured the impressive Normand Navigator, highlighting advanced fleet management and sustainable practices.
• SEAM Company: Visited facilities to learn about contributions to maritime digitalization and energy efficiency.

Oslo:

• NSA Headquarters: Engaged in collaborative meetings with the maritime cluster, fostering discussions on future partnerships and business ventures.

Acknowledgments

This mission underscored the vibrant synergy between Petrobras and the Norwegian maritime sector, paving the way for innovative collaborations and sustainable advancements in maritime technology.