Pernambuco Charts a Drop-in Future for Marine Ethanol

by Jim Kendrick (Biofuels Digest) In Brazil, Rádio Jornal reports Sindaçúcar/PE president Renato Cunha says Pernambuco’s ethanol is ready for global shipping, and Suape is where it begins. “Ethanol production here has a tradition in exports,” Cunha told Rádio Jornal, noting the state’s position in the emerging marine fuel market. “Maersk has a fleet of over 700 ships, and without a doubt, all of this is in line with IMO standards,” he said, referring to the International Maritime Organization’s fuel regulations.

“The rules already recommend mixing ethanol with bunker fuel, with ship oil,” Cunha explained. Maersk is already fueling ships in Santos, and Pernambuco could soon join that network. “There’s a strong possibility of compatibility between the fuel supplies Maersk manages in Santos and what Pernambuco can offer,” he said. “The routes will often be supplied by coastal shipping vessels coming to Suape to refuel the world’s large ships.”

Cunha emphasized ethanol’s technical advantage. “There’s no need to crack the ethanol. There’s no need to improve the specifications,” he said. “It’s called drop-in. The ethanol is ready to be blended at this level.”

“This is a truly transformative project,” Cunha said. “And Pernambuco will undoubtedly be part of it.” READ MORE

Excerpt from Datamar News: Pernambuco Governor Raquel Lyra (PSD) signed a contract this Monday (June 9, 2025) with GoVerde Holding S.A. for the installation of a green hydrogen-based e-methanol production plant in the Suape Industrial Port Complex. The initial investment is valued at BRL 2 billion. The facility will occupy an initial area of 10 hectares, with plans to expand to 20 hectares, and is expected to generate 1,500 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase, which is set to begin in 2026. Vice-Governor Priscila Krause (PSD) was present at the signing ceremony.

“Today, we are authorizing the installation of an e-methanol plant in the Suape Complex—a BRL 2 billion investment by GoVerde. This project ensures Pernambuco’s growth through a sustainable green economy. No one does anything alone; working together, we’ll develop our state without leaving anyone behind,” said Governor Raquel Lyra.

The agreement followed the formal approval of a public bidding process in which GoVerde was the sole applicant. It was signed last Friday (June 6, 2025) by Suape’s CEO, Armando Monteiro Bisneto, and published in the State’s Official Gazette on Saturday (June 7, 2025).

Thanks to Suape Port’s strategic location, GoVerde’s e-methanol production will focus on exporting clean fuel to European and North American clients in the maritime and aviation industries. “This megaproject reflects the proactivity of Governor Raquel Lyra’s administration and the Suape team, positioning our complex among the first in Latin America with structured e-methanol initiatives. GoVerde is already operating in Pernambuco, especially in solar energy. It’s great to have a partner like them here,” said Monteiro Bisneto.

The plant will initially produce 300 tons of e-methanol per day, with operations expected to begin between 2027 and 2028. A phased expansion plan aims to reach 900 tons per day by 2032. The contract runs for 12 years and is renewable. Monthly lease payments are set at BRL 122,000.

“This is a transformational industrial project for Pernambuco and for Brazil. E-methanol is one of the most practical solutions for the immediate decarbonization of global maritime transport. We are building a complete, safe, and sustainable supply chain for green fuel. The Suape plant represents a new chapter in Brazil’s integration into the global decarbonization movement,” said GoVerde CEO Ricardo Junqueira.

Decarbonization Focus
E-methanol is a sustainable form of methanol produced using renewable energy and low-impact carbon sources (biogenic CO₂). It is viewed as a promising alternative to fossil fuels, particularly in maritime transport and other industrial sectors seeking to reduce carbon emissions. The Suape facility will use green hydrogen produced through water electrolysis powered by renewable energy combined with biogenic CO₂.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is an alternative jet fuel produced from renewable sources, including biomass and vegetable oils. It offers up to an 80% reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil-based aviation kerosene, helping reduce the aviation sector’s environmental footprint. READ MORE