Based in the strategic industrial zone of the Setúbal Peninsula in Portugal, Eco-Oil operates as a specialized environmental engineering company focused on the management and treatment of hydrocarbon-contaminated waters. Since commencing operations in 2001, the firm has functioned as a critical infrastructure asset within the Portuguese maritime cluster, specifically designed to address the stringent requirements of international pollution prevention regulations, including MARPOL Annex I. The company’s facility is situated at the Eco-Parque do Relvão, a location selected for its proximity to major shipping lanes and the region’s extensive ship repair industry.
The operational heart of Eco-Oil is its dedicated maritime terminal, which provides a direct interface between sea and land. This private jetty is equipped to accommodate vessels requiring the discharge of oily waste, including slops, sludge, bilge water, and tank washing residues. The terminal features a service platform with crane access and draft clearance suitable for receiving various classes of tankers and merchant ships. By offering direct docking capabilities, the company streamlines the logistical process for vessel operators, allowing for efficient tank cleaning and waste disposal without the delays associated with truck-based transfers. The facility’s significant storage capacity, comprising a large tank farm, enables it to handle high volumes of liquid waste rapidly, ensuring that ships can return to service with minimal downtime.
Beyond its function as a waste reception facility, Eco-Oil distinguishes itself through its commitment to the circular economy. The company employs advanced physical and chemical treatment processes to separate oil from water with high precision. While the purified water is treated to meet strict environmental discharge standards, the recovered hydrocarbons are not discarded. Instead, they are processed and regenerated into a reusable high-quality fuel product. This valorization process transforms hazardous maritime waste into a valuable energy resource, thereby reducing the industry's reliance on virgin fossil fuels. Through its integrated management system, Eco-Oil acts as a vital safeguard for the Sado Estuary and the wider marine environment, ensuring that pollutants generated by global shipping are managed safely on shore rather than risking contamination at sea.