Braskem launches ethane and naphtha vessel fleet to enhance supply chain

Braskem has launched the first vessel in its dedicated fleet for transporting naphtha and ethane, reinforcing its supply chain and reducing freight costs, media sources reported. The six ships, costing a total of $332 million, will serve Braskem’s Idesa petrochemical complex in Mexico and naphtha-based plants in Brazil. This investment comes as shipyards increasingly prioritize container ships over liquid and gas carriers, making reliable transportation more challenging.

Norway’s Ocean Yield is financing the fleet through 15-year leasing agreements, with Braskem retaining the option to purchase the vessels later. The first ship cost $80 million and will transport ethane from the US to Mexico. A second, identical vessel is set for delivery in June. Meanwhile, four additional ships will be commissioned to transport naphtha from the US, the Middle East, and Africa to Brazil, each with a capacity of 55,000 tons and a price tag of $43 million.

Braskem, which imports 60% of its naphtha needs, requires up to 5.5 million tons annually, with Petrobras as a key supplier. The company’s board has approved the acquisition of the fleet, aligning with its broader logistics strategy. Future fleet expansion is under consideration, but executives emphasize that third-party shipping services are not part of Braskem’s plans.