Svitzer Brasil promotes electrification and sustainability projects in Brazilian ports

Svitzer has been committed to the sustainable transformation of its operations in Brazil since 2015. The company currently operates in nine Brazilian ports—Itaqui, Salvador, Suape, Pecém and Fortaleza (Mucuripe), Santos, Vitória, Rio Grande, São Francisco do Sul, Itapoá, Paranaguá, and Antonina—and continues to implement innovative solutions aligned with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. Entering 2025, Svitzer has expanded its partnerships and electrification initiatives at key Brazilian ports, including Paranaguá and Salvador. Similar projects are already in place at Santos and Suape, where the company is also actively involved.

According to Daniel Cohen, president of Svitzer Brazil, the adoption of shore power in the country is a relatively new development with far-reaching benefits for both businesses and the environment. “When not actively operating, tugboats—like other vessels—rely on onboard generators to maintain essential functions, even while moored. This continuous fuel consumption keeps them on standby for immediate deployment,” Cohen explains. “With the new Onshore Power Supply (OPS) systems, tugboats can connect to clean shore-side electricity at dedicated charging stations, reducing fuel consumption and cutting CO2 emissions. We expect these OPS initiatives to lower CO2 emissions by more than 15%.”

Cohen points to the Port of Santos as a recent example of electrification for tugboats. In collaboration with local operators, the National Union of Harbor Support Navigation Companies (Sindiporto), and the Santos Port Authority (SPA), the OPS system was implemented in November 2024, with three operational charging stations now in use. Similar electrification projects are advancing in partnership with the Bahia State Dock Company and the Port of Paranaguá.

Svitzer reaffirms its commitment to sustainability, integrating environmental responsibility into every aspect of its business—from daily operations to fleet management. With a strong focus on employee well-being, job creation, and strategic fuel choices, the company has outlined an ambitious decarbonization strategy in two phases. The first targets a 50% reduction in the carbon intensity of its global fleet by 2030. By 2040, Svitzer aims to achieve carbon neutrality across all its operations worldwide.

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