BNamericas – Virtu expands road LNG supply network in Brazil
Brazil's oil and gas watchdog ANP [1]authorized Virtu GNL to operate a refueling point for its fleet of road freight vehicles with liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the municipality of Balsas, in Maranh?o state. The new infrastructure is part of phase one of the company's Green Corridor project, alongside two other LNG refueling points: one in Santo Ant?nio dos Lopes, also in Maranh?o, and another in Paraupebas, in Par?. The Santo Ant?nio dos Lopes station still depends on approval from the regulatory agency to operate, while the Paraupebas station received authorization in October.
Virtu operates LNG logistics for its own use and for clients of Eneva [2]through a joint venture. The company also provides LNG-powered logistics services, including the operation of dedicated fueling stations for its fleet of trucks fueled with liquefied natural gas. By 2031, the company intends to have 35 refueling points - or road decarbonization hubs - in operation in all regions of the country, with total investment on the order of 35 billion reais (US£6,5bi).
The corridor will transport LNG along a comprehensive route using trucks powered by this fuel, which emit 20% to 30% less CO2 compared to diesel vehicles. The initial goal is to have 1,500 vehicles in operation by 2026, with plans to increase this number by 2030. The supply centers have the capacity to supply 500 trucks per day and offer food and rest areas for drivers in a 50,000m2 area.
New shareholder In October, the group Ultrapar [3]acquired a 37.5% stake in Virtu for 102.5 million reais. With the transaction, Ultrapar became part of Virtu's controlling shareholder group, together with the Perfin Infra infrastructure investment fund, which holds 75% of the company's voting capital.
Virtu's partner and founder, Jos?
Moura Jr., remains a significant shareholder, with 25%.
(The original version of this content was written in Portuguese)