FAFEN-BA moves forward to resume operations and strengthen national fertilizer production

The Bahia Nitrogen Fertilizer Plant (FAFEN-BA), located in Camaçari, is in the final phase of maintenance and is preparing to restart production. Operations are expected to begin in January 2026.

Commissioning of the plant has already started: teams are carrying out the alignment of utilities (nitrogen, compressed air, cooling water, among others) to enable system and equipment testing, with the aim of ensuring safety and efficiency in the restart of the processing units.

To ensure the supply of natural gas — a fundamental raw material for the production of ammonia and urea — and to enable continuity of the restart, Petrobras and Bahiagás formalized, on Friday (12/12), a contract for the transportation of piped gas destined for FAFEN-BA. The agreement provides for the transportation via pipeline of 1.2 million m³/day of gas.

“The resumption of fertilizer production at FAFEN-BA will contribute to restoring the national capacity for strategic inputs for agribusiness, expanding Petrobras’ portfolio and ensuring a profitable alternative for the consumption of natural gas produced in Brazil,” says William França, Director of Industrial Processes and Products at Petrobras.

The unit will produce ammonia, prilled urea, and ARLA-32, and will also rely on the Ammonia and Urea Maritime Terminals located at the Port of Aratu, in Candeias (BA), for product handling.