Petral was founded in 1982 as a shipping company by Peruvian businessmen, who sought to become business pioneers in the country. The company was the first maritime transport company that specialized in sulfuric acid. This is why the company acquired the M/T Pampilla, with 3,100 DWT and stainless steel tanks. This vessel operated mainly between Peruvian ports Pisco and Matarani, and Chilean ports Mejillones and Caleta Michilla, transporting sulfuric acid. Eventually, it also transported fish oils and caustic soda.
At the start of the 1990’s, Petral switched to a vessel with greater commercial capacity, the 8,200 DWT M/T Gorgonilla, which continued to carry out the same transport services, but in larger volumes. This new vessel transported not only sulfuric acid, but also vegetable oil, palm oil, caustic soda, and fish oil.
In 2005, before the imminent advance of globalization, Petral invited the Chilean group Ultramar to join forces in equal parts. This group is also specialized in the segment of chemical tankers in its country, with presence in North America, South America, Europe and Asia.