Stolthaven Terminals selected as the potential operator for Brazil's first green ammonia export terminal

Stolthaven Terminals, in co-operation with Global Energy Storage (GES), has been selected as the only ‘potential operator’ to plan, design, build and operate a green ammonia terminal in Pecém, in the State of Ceará, Brazil.

The Port of Pecém Authority (known as CIPP) awarded the rights to the partnership between Stolthaven Terminals and GES after a 15-month tender process involving several other global storage providers. During the next phase of the project, and with the involvement of CIPP and the ammonia producers, the basic engineering of the terminal will be developed before confirmation of the official contract with CIPP.

The development of a green ammonia terminal in the Industrial Export Zone (ZPE) of the Pecém Complex will serve the production of green hydrogen and its ammonia production exports and allow offshore markets to access one of the most globally competitive sources of this renewable energy. 

In 2023, Stolthaven Terminals and GES agreed to form a partnership to develop and operate an export terminal for hydrogen and its derivatives. Stolthaven Terminals and GES are leading providers of storage services for bulk liquids and gases, both with a global presence and proven expertise in developing complex and large-scale storage projects. Stolthaven Terminals also has an established local presence in Brazil with 42 years of experience operating as a storage provider in the Port of Santos and multiple customer awards for its expert handling of biofuels and speciality chemicals. 

My thanks to CIPP for awarding the tender to Stolthaven Terminals and our partner, GES. We look forward to working with GES, CIPP and our future potential customers in developing a world-class terminal which will be an integral part of the energy transition.” Guy Bessant, President of Stolthaven Terminals

Green ammonia is being widely explored as an option for decarbonising the shipping industry and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in power and heat generation. It has good potential as a hydrogen carrier over long distances because it is easily liquified and has a higher hydrogen density compared to other low-carbon hydrogen carriers. Ammonia is expected to play an important role in meeting the EU target of importing 10 million tonnes per year of renewable hydrogen by 2030. A significant share of such volumes is expected to be imported to Europe. 

Guy Bessant, President of Stolthaven Terminals, said: “My thanks to CIPP for awarding the tender to Stolthaven Terminals and our partner, GES. We look forward to working with GES, CIPP and our future potential customers in developing a world-class terminal which will be an integral part of the energy transition.” 

Peter Vucins, CEO of GES said: “We are proud of the role we have played in this process. Our co-operation with Stolthaven Terminals has meant that we have jointly developed a fantastic solution for the Port of Pecém, which is also in line with our vision and how we operate our assets around the world.”

Marcelo Schmitt, General Manager of Stolthaven Santos, added: "We are proud to be chosen by CIPP as the right partner for its Hydrogen Hub. This is one more step towards executing our strategy for growth and supporting our customers in transitioning to green energy. Brazil is fast becoming a new export powerhouse for biofuels and renewable energies and our extensive local and global experience, together with the expertise of our partner GES, will make it a successful and exciting development for the storage industry.”