Rio de Janeiro, 4/12/2004(Agência Brasil) - Petrobrás reports that it will now become an active player in one of the most competitive markets in the world: fuel for the shipping industry in Asia. The company says it has been supplying fuel, known as "bunker" (which has a low sulfur content) since April 6, after winning competitive bidding for 10,000 tons monthly, to the Singapore-based Maersk company, the largest shipper of containers in the world.

Petrobras is not a newcomer to this market. It has long sold bunker fuel in Brazil where it supplies a total of 28 ports (4.2 million tons annually) and Argentina (170,000 tons annually).

The fuel Petrobras will be supplying Maersk is reported to be of excellent quality, less environmentally aggressive and easy on motors. The supply contract is for a three month period and can be renewed. (Translator: Allen Bennett)