North Sea Port Becomes Key Hub for Production of SAF and Chemicals

North Sea Port, along with Terra Mater BV, based in Ghent, has entered into a partnership with the Brazilian conglomerate Petrom to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and basic chemicals. As part of this collaboration, Terra Mater will deploy its proprietary 2X Alcohol-to-Jet technology, which was developed in Ghent, to convert bio-based raw materials into SAF and sustainable chemicals. Under the terms of the agreement, Petrom, a prominent Brazilian petrochemical group, will supply the necessary bio-based raw materials to Terra Mater for the next five years. These materials will be integral to the production of SAF and chemicals that contribute to greener, more sustainable applications. The three companies formalized the agreement on November 26, 2024, in São Paulo, as part of the ongoing Belgian economic mission in Brazil.

Kapil Shyam Lokare, the CEO and co-founder of Terra Mater, emphasized the role of the company's technology in helping achieve the goal of making aviation emission-free by 2050. He highlighted that realizing this ambitious goal requires a significant increase in the production of sustainable aviation fuels, an effort in which Terra Mater’s technology will play a key role. The 2X Alcohol-to-Jet technology has been undergoing pilot testing at Terra Mater's facility located at the Kluizendok in Ghent, a part of the North Sea Port. This innovative technology allows for the conversion of various waste streams and alcohols into SAF and basic chemicals, thus supporting sustainable and environmentally friendly applications. Terra Mater is now ready to expand production to meet the growing demand for SAF.

This agreement further strengthens the established relationship between North Sea Port and Brazil. Brazil, the largest economy in South America, is one of the port’s top trading partners. In 2023, trade between North Sea Port and Brazil amounted to 4.5 million tons, mainly driven by the import of raw materials. North Sea Port serves as a significant entry point to the European market for Brazilian products, including fruit juice, while both parties have long-standing cooperation in the biofuel sector. North Sea Port is home to Belgium’s largest biofuel cluster, and Brazil is recognized as a global leader in the production and consumption of biofuels.

As part of the Belgian economic mission, which is taking place from November 22 to December 1 in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, North Sea Port continues to deepen its ties with Brazil. With Brazil being the ninth-largest global economy and Belgium's seventh-largest trading partner, the mission underscores the growing importance of this bilateral relationship, especially in sectors related to sustainable energy, aviation fuel, and chemicals.