Braskem, a major player in the petrochemical industry, is investing $332 million (around R$1.9 billion) to build a fleet of six specialized ships. These ships will be used for transporting its key raw materials, ethane and naphtha.
The initiative aims to cut freight costs, improve efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions, addressing critical supply chain vulnerabilities. The first vessel, Brilliant Future, recently began operations, transporting ethane from the United States to Braskem Idesa’s complex in Mexico.
Built by Chinese shipyard Jiangsu Yangzi-Mitsui Shipbuilding at a cost of $80 million, the ship features dual-fuel engines. These engines are capable of running on both bunker oil and ethane. This technology reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 40%.
A second ship with similar specifications will join the fleet in June 2025, supporting operations at Braskem’s new ethane terminal in Mexico. The terminal will enable the company to meet all its polyethylene production needs and expand its capacity.
The remaining four ships, each costing $43 million and capable of carrying 55,000 tons of naphtha, will begin operations by 2028. These vessels will supply Braskem’s Brazilian facilities with naphtha imported from regions like the U.S., Middle East, and Africa.
Braskem’s Strategic Investment in Naphtha Transport Fleet
Naphtha remains essential for Braskem’s Brazilian operations, which require 4.5 to 5.5 million tons annually. With Petrobras supplying only 40% of this demand, imports have become increasingly critical.
The fleet is financed through a 15-year leasing agreement with Norway’s Ocean Yield, allowing Braskem to avoid pressure on its balance sheet. According to logistics manager Eduardo Ivo Cavalcanti, the investment addresses a global shortage of large liquid cargo vessels while ensuring supply chain reliability.
This move aligns with trends among global petrochemical leaders like Ineos and Reliance, which also operate proprietary fleets. It reflects Braskem’s focus on securing raw material availability amid tightening global shipping capacity without pursuing self-sufficiency or third-party services.
