Competitive advantages

• Largest liquid bulk storage provider in Brazil
• Distribution throughout the entire Brazilian coastline, which allows for flexibility and better positioning for new business
• The only company present in more than three ports

Incident in Santos

On April 2, 2015, Ultracargo experienced a high impact incident that led to an unprecedented mobilization to overcome: part of the storage facilities operated by Ultracargo in Santos (SP) was hit by a fire that endured nine days surrounding six ethanol and gasoline tanks. There were no casualties. Such tanks had a total capacity of 34 thousand cubic meters, which corresponded to 4% of Ultracargo’s overall capacity in Brazil, or 10% of Ultracargo’s capacity in Santos terminal.

The incident demanded efforts from Ultra and its businesses to, in the first place, collaborate with the authorities and prevent potential impacts on third parties. All activities observed existing procedures and emergency plans, following the strategies of the Fire Department, were accompanied by a company hired by Ultracargo specialized in the response to such incidents.

Among other initiatives, the company mobilized about 200 of its own brigade members in 24-hour regime, who joined the local authorities and the Fire Department, assisting in firefighting. Seven towboats were rented and pumped billions of liters of seawater to the fire trucks. The company also brought all supplies of Liquid Foam Generator (LFG) available in Brazil and also imported the product. The product is used for firefighting with hydrocarbons.

After this incident, the company made efforts to deal with its consequences and promote the repair and recovery of the facilities. In collaboration with the Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo (“Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo – Cetesb”) and under its direct coordination, Ultracargo monitored and controlled the environmental risk in the area since the first day, operating through specialized companies.

The incident led Ultracargo to expand its Safety, Health, Environment and Quality structure and create a corporate processes and emergency safety management, which will remain focused on improving operational processes and emergency response. Ultracargo, together with Ultra’s other businesses, hired consulting firms to do an assessment and review systems for firefighting, emergency response and an analysis of the safety risks process. In addition, the company created the Safe Attitude Program, which aims to improve operational processes and company safety management. One of the measures provided by the project included the hiring of a world leading company in safety management, which carried out a diagnosis of the current processes. The survey indicated possible points of improvement that are being implemented on in an action plan.

Due to the incident, Ultracargo’s activities in part of Santos terminal remained suspended until the end of 2015. The part of the terminal with suspended operations has a capacity of 185 thousand cubic meters, corresponding to 55% of Ultracargo’s capacity in Santos and 23% of company’s overall capacity. Ultracargo has sought an open and continuous communication channel with the public affected by the incident and the authorities, dealing responsibly with its obligations and seeking to establish fair and adequate treatment to all involved.

Read more about safety here.