Brazil’s ports ministry highlights ethanol bunkering and sustainability diagnostics at COP31

On 13 November 2026, Brazil’s Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) said it had presented its port-and-shipping energy-transition agenda at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye. According to the Ministry’s release, the agenda included the experience of supplying ships with ethanol at the Port of Santos, the 2026 Sustainability Diagnostic for ports and navigation, and work on Brazil’s Climate Plan, Sustainable Taxonomy and National Energy-Transition Plan. ([gov.br](https://www.gov.br/portos-e-aeroportos/pt-br/assuntos/noticias/2026/11/mpor-destaca-transicao-energetica-nos-portos-e-na-navegacao-durante-a-cop31?utm_source=openai))

**Verified facts.** MPor’s statement confirms that the Ministry publicly described ethanol bunkering at Santos as an experience relevant to shipping decarbonisation. It also confirms that the Ministry is linking ports and navigation to national climate and energy-transition policy instruments. The source does not specify the vessel, fuel volume, fuel pathway, lifecycle-emissions methodology, safety case, commercial terms, frequency of operations, or whether the Santos activity is available as a standing bunkering service. It likewise does not establish a new mandatory requirement for shipowners, terminals or cargo interests.

The timing is notable because international regulatory discussions remain active. The IMO states that its Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships is scheduled for 23–27 November 2026, ahead of MEPC 85 on 30 November–3 December 2026. ([imo.org](https://www.imo.org/en/mediacentre/meetingsummaries/pages/iswg-ghg-22.aspx?utm_source=openai)) Those meetings may affect the broader direction of global shipping-emissions rules, but MPor’s COP31 presentation is not evidence that an IMO measure has been adopted or entered into force.

**Analysis.** For operators trading to Brazil, the practical value of the announcement is presently informational rather than a basis for voyage planning or fuel procurement. Ethanol may be relevant to particular vessel-engine configurations and fuel-supply chains, but compatibility, certification, sustainability credentials, bunkering procedures, insurance allocation and port-specific availability require transaction-level verification. Cargo owners and charterers seeking emissions visibility should avoid treating a policy presentation or a single reported experience as proof of lower well-to-wake emissions for a voyage.

**Why this matters.** The combination of alternative-fuel activity and a national sustainability diagnostic could improve future data visibility and investment prioritisation in Brazilian ports. However, until operating parameters and any applicable rules are published, parties should maintain conventional due diligence: confirm the fuel specification and origin, onboard approval, terminal and port permissions, emissions-accounting boundary, documentary trail, and contractual allocation of delay, contamination, safety and performance risk.