While governments and companies accelerate their climate commitments, one of the greatest challenges of the energy transition continues to sail outside the spotlight. Responsible for transporting more than 80% of global trade by volume and for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, maritime transport has become a key element in meeting international decarbonization targets.

The topic will be at the center of discussions at the Energy Summit, one of the leading global events dedicated to innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of energy, held by one of the world’s most prestigious universities, MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), widely recognized for its excellence in science, engineering, and technology, from June 23 to 25, at Marina da Glória, in Rio de Janeiro.

In a context of growing regulatory and market pressure for low-carbon production chains, specialists from different sectors will gather to discuss possible ways to make shipping more sustainable without compromising the logistical efficiency that supports the global economy.

On June 23, André Lavor (photo), CEO and co-founder of Binatural, one of Brazil’s leading biodiesel producers, will take part in the panel "The Invisible Challenge: Decarbonizing Global Maritime Transport," alongside Jefferson de Oliveira Gomes, Director of Industrial Development at CNI and professor at ITA; Mario Barbosa, General Sales Manager for Latin America at Wärtsilä; Vinicius Patel, Director of Port Administration and Services at Porto do Açu; and Hans-Jorg Fuchsloch, Global Head of Bunker Trading at Petrobras.

The discussion comes at a decisive moment for the sector. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been advancing targets and mechanisms to reduce emissions from international shipping, while shipowners, port operators, and shippers seek alternatives capable of reconciling competitiveness, energy security, and reduced carbon intensity. The goal is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from global maritime transport by or around 2050.

Among the solutions under consideration are biodiesel, other renewable fuels, and new operational models aimed at improving energy efficiency.

For Brazil, the debate takes on a strategic dimension. As one of the world’s largest exporters of agricultural, mineral, and energy commodities, the country depends heavily on maritime logistics to access international markets. At the same time, it has competitive advantages in the production of renewable energy and biofuels that can contribute to reducing emissions throughout transport chains.

"The challenge is not only to find low-emission fuels, but to do so at a scale compatible with the needs of global trade. Brazil already has a mature biodiesel industry, with scale, availability, and infrastructure capable of supporting the decarbonization of sectors such as maritime transport," says André Lavor, CEO of Binatural.

In addition to these advantages, the sector also presents other figures and recognitions that reinforce how beneficial biodiesel can be for the maritime segment. In Binatural’s case alone, current production capacity stands at 600 million liters per year, with expansion plans for the next two years. The company also holds ISCC certification, which reinforces its commitment to sustainability, and has practical experience in the use of biofuels in applications beyond the regulated market, with successful B100 application cases on 100% sustainable routes. Through these routes, Binatural transports raw materials and other inputs used in the production of its own biodiesel, achieving a significant reduction in emissions.

Another remarkable aspect of the segment is its support for family farmers. More than 300 thousand producers are supported by the sector as a whole, and the company supports 25 thousand of these families.

The panel at the Energy Summit is also expected to address the impacts of new environmental requirements on international trade. Analysts point out that, in the coming years, the carbon footprint associated with transport may influence purchasing decisions, investments, and trade agreements, making decarbonization not only an environmental issue, but also an economic and geopolitical one.

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Panel: The Invisible Challenge: Decarbonizing Global Maritime Transport

Event: Energy Summit 2026

Date: June 23

Time: 12:10 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.

Location: Edison Stage – Marina da Glória, Rio de Janeiro

Learn more at: Link.

Press accreditation is free of charge, subject to approval by the organization.

About Binatural - Binatural has specialized in biodiesel production since 2006. It has recorded exponential growth since the beginning of its operations, establishing itself as a transformative force in Brazil’s energy matrix, strengthening family farming, and playing a decisive role in environmental protection by contributing to the reduction of pollutant emissions harmful to health and the planet.

Under the slogan "ENERGIA BOA" ("GOOD ENERGY"), the company’s purpose is to transform biodiesel into a sustainable business out of respect for life and the environment, generating social and economic development for the country.

In addition to biodiesel, its core specialty, which is distributed to all regions of the country, Binatural also produces glycerin, fatty acid, and sludge, distributed nationwide and, in the specific case of glycerin, also exported to several countries.