PRIO Takes the First Step in Decarbonizing Maritime Transport in the Iberian Peninsula

(PRIO; Google translation) PRIO will launch Eco Bunkers, a green fuel for ships with 15% biodiesel incorporation, developed from recycling processes of residual raw materials, produced at the PRIO Biodiesel plant, in Aveiro. This new product, innovative in the Iberian Peninsula, marks the entry of PRIO in the “green” segment of maritime transport, with a highly innovative solution that will be available for supply in all Portuguese ports, with particular focus on the ports in the Center and North from the country.

ECO bunkers, besides allowing to reduce 18% of CO ₂ , it also allows a reduction in consumption by 5%. It is, therefore, a fuel that combines quality, savings and sustainability, by promoting a circular economy by recycling waste that would otherwise have a high cost of treatment.

PRIO thus becomes the first energy company in the Iberian Peninsula to develop and commercialize a more sustainable fuel, also marking a leap in PRIO's offer to the maritime sector a few months after reinforcing its offer with traditional marine gasoil. This new product with a sustainable base is the result of more than 10 years of research and development in the area of biofuels, which, according to PRIO estimates, has already saved more than 2.1 million tons of CO ₂ .

For Luís Nunes, director of PRIO Supply, “PRIO today takes another step in its mission as an energy company for the mobility of the future. As in the automotive sector, from now on, ships will also be able to supply themselves with quality fuel, which allows to dramatically reduce CO2 emissions as well as consumption. As we continue to invest in biofuels, bringing them to maritime transport, we show not only our commitment to innovation, but also to sustainability. Being the first to do so in the Iberian Peninsula is a sign of leadership and pride. ”

With a strong presence and several sustainable alternatives for the road sector, PRIO has also shown remarkable growth in the maritime transport sector. This sector is one of the main and growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere, being responsible for about 3% of the total CO ₂ emissions . The global fuel consumption of the sector is estimated to be 330 million tons per year, higher than that of the aviation sector and more than double the fuel used in the transport of goods by road. Therefore, and if we take into account that more than 80% of all goods are transported by sea, with the expected growth of the sector, the environmental footprint could triple by 2050, if viable alternatives do not arise.

Since 2013, PRIO has accelerated its commitment to the development and commercialization of future energy for mobility and one of the best examples is precisely the bet on advanced biofuels, produced through the recycling of used cooking oils - being currently one of the largest European producers of biodiesel. from this residue. However, PRIO does not want to stop here and in recent years it has invested in the production of biodiesel through other types of residual raw materials, such as forest, urban and industrial waste.

The recycling and subsequent use of these types of raw materials for the production of advanced biofuels allows a significant reduction in the environmental impact associated with mobility, either by reducing the use of fertile land for the production of simple biodiesel, or by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. greenhouse gases into the atmosphere resulting from the recycling process.

In compliance with industry standards and requirements, Eco Bunkers is ideal for fleets of ships looking to reduce their ecological footprint, while ensuring high levels of performance, without any need for additional investment in adapting fuel to the ship's engines. READ MORE