Business

European Sea Ports Organisation requests ‘full alignment’ of AFIR and FuelEU maritime proposals

Europe’s ports ask for a full alignment of Article 9 of the AFIR proposal with Articles 4 and 5, as well as with Annex III of the FuelEU Maritime proposal, states ESPO.

Published

5 years ago

December 1, 2021

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Europe’s ports welcome that the review of the current Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) proposal is accompanied by provisions in the new FuelEU Maritime Proposal, which requires vessels to use shore-side electricity infrastructure at berth, said the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) on Monday (29 November).

The alignment of requirements between what ports need to do and the obligations for shipping lines to use the infrastructure is one of the main points of ESPO’s joint position on the maritime pillar of the proposal for an Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) and on the proposal for a FuelEU Maritime Regulation.

Europe’s ports ask for a full alignment of Article 9 of the AFIR proposal with Articles 4 and 5, as well as with Annex III of the FuelEU Maritime proposal.

“For years we have been discussing the chicken and the egg problem as a barrier to making real progress in greening of shipping. Let’s now work together with all policy makers and stakeholders to move forward towards investing in technologies that are effectively being used and that lead to effectively reducing the emissions of shipping, both at berth and during navigation,” says Isabelle Ryckbost, ESPO’s Secretary General.

“Even if different working parties in the Council and key players in the European Parliament are working on each file, it is essential that these two pivotal Fit for 55 proposals are being discussed together all along the legislative process. We look forward to working with the Parliament and the Council to deliver a coherent package.”

For Europe’s ports, shore side electricity (SSE) is an important instrument to reduce emissions of shipping at berth, but it has to be deployed where it makes most sense in terms of delivering cost-effective reductions of greenhouse gases at berth.

Prioritisation is essential in that respect. For ESPO, it would be more effective to define the scope based on a minimum level of traffic volume per terminal (instead of per port) to prioritise busy terminals and avoid underused capacity being installed. The focus on certain segments of shipping should however not be seen as an exemption for the other segments of shipping from the requirement to lower emissions at berth.

ESPO regrets that the AFIR proposal only addresses the shore side electricity installation in the port, thereby overlooking the issues of grid connectivity, grid capacity and grid conversion. These should also be tackled in the proposals as they are essential to make installed SSE operational.

Installing grid converters, connecting to and upgrading the grid can be required to ensure the supply of shore-side electrical power to certain vessels. Such installations and upgrades are often outside the remit of the port authority/port managing body.

In addition, ESPO calls for a consultation mechanism to aid in the application of the requirements of the AFIR and FuelEU Maritime. To allow ports to optimise their investments as much as possible and ensure that they function well, individual ports need to be able to plan ahead.

Ports need to know if a shipping operator intends to use onshore power supply or rather one of the other alternative technologies foreseen in the Annex III of the proposal. Moreover, ports should know what power needs vessels will have when at berth, in order to plan for sufficient SSE capacity during a given call.

“We welcome the proposals to increase the use and availability of alternative fuels in the maritime sector. The setting of requirements for certain ship segments to use shore side electricity at berth is crucial to matching the available supply with demand,” adds Isabelle Ryckbost.

“But within this legislative framework, it will be important for stakeholders to work together. Ports face huge investments and must be able to optimise these investments, where it makes most sense. Shipping operators can help by clearly indicating their intentions and needs to the port and/or the responsible investing body, thereby avoiding stranded assets in the port.”

Whilst ESPO recognises the transitional role of LNG, a top-down obligation to install LNG is no longer fit for purpose. ESPO finds that given its transitional role, the provision of LNG bunkering infrastructure in ports should in essence be demand driven, in particular as regards new investments.

To be fit for 55, there is a need to fund for 55% emission reductions. An ambitious SSE deployment plan in ports requires adequate funding, since every shore side electricity facility installed so far has been supported by 50% or more public financing.

Next to the existing EU funding mechanisms such as the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), ESPO calls for revenues from the maritime EU Emission Trading System (EU ETS) and the penalties levied under the FuelEU Maritime to be used to promote the distribution and use of renewable and low-carbon fuels and technologies in the maritime sector.

On top of that, ESPO asks for an EU-wide permanent tax exemption for the electricity provided to ships at berth in the reviewed Energy Taxation Directive.

ESPO and its members look forward to further discussing these proposals with EU decision-makers.

A first exchange of view on the AFIR and FuelEU proposals in the European Parliament TRAN committee is scheduled on 1 December.

Note: ESPO’s position on AFIR and FuelEU Maritime can be found here.

Photo credit: ESPO
Published: 1 December, 2021

Mass Flowmeter

MFM-equipped CPN barge first listed under Hong Kong quality bunker scheme

Chimbusco Pan Nation’s bunker barge “Zhong Ran 23” has become the first vessel in Hong Kong listed on Marine Department’s official List of Quality Bunker Vessels, under a newly-launched scheme.

Published

2 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Admin

MFM-equipped CPN barge first listed under Hong Kong quality bunker scheme

Hong Kong-based marine fuel supplier Chimbusco Pan Nation (CPN) on Tuesday (16 June) announced that its bunker barge Zhong Ran 23 has become the first vessel in Hong Kong listed on the Marine Department’s official List of Quality Bunker Vessels.

The list under the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme launched on 3 June.

“The Scheme is a voluntary initiative designed to raise the standard of bunkering accuracy, transparency, and service quality in Hong Kong,” CPN said in a social media post.

“To be listed, a bunker vessel must have its Mass Flow Meter (MFM) system independently certified under ISO 22192, the international benchmark for mass flow metering in bunkering operations.”

CPN added it has operated the MFM system across our fleet of fuel oil barges since 2015.

Manifold Times previously reported Hong Kong’s Marine Department (MD) launching the Quality Bunker Operator Scheme to encourage bunker operators to install and use mass flow meter systems (MFM systems) on their bunker vessels.

MD said the scheme aims to enhance Hong Kong’s bunkering service quality and the competitiveness of Hong Kong ports, thereby further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre and a major bunkering port.

Under the Scheme, bunker operators of traditional maritime fuel and biodiesel that install and use MFM systems on their bunker vessels, with the MFM systems inspected and certified by an accredited body in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 22192 Standard or equivalent requirements, can apply to the MD for inclusion in the scheme’s “List of Quality Bunker Vessels”, provided they meet the relevant technical and operational requirements.

Photo credit: Chimbusco Pan Nation
Published: 17 June, 2026

Financial Result

Bunker Holding exceeds FY2025/26 forecast despite geopolitical headwinds

Bunker Holding delivered a gross profit of USD 424 million and a profit before tax of USD 73 million, exceeding the Group’s expectations for the year.

Published

2 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Admin

Bunker Holding on Tuesday (16 June) said it delivered a strong performance in the financial year 2025/2026 despite continued uncertainty across global markets.

The year was shaped by geopolitical developments, evolving trade flows, periods of heightened market volatility, and strong competition.

These conditions were further amplified by developments in the Middle East, which added complexity across global energy markets and shipping routes.

In response, Bunker Holding focused on getting closer to customers and understanding the different challenges faced across shipping segments. This enabled faster decision-making, greater agility under pressure, and allowed the Group to respond effectively while continuing to support customers reliably.

Against this backdrop, Bunker Holding delivered a gross profit of USD 424 million and a profit before tax of USD 73 million, exceeding the Group’s expectations for the year. Equity increased to USD 342 million.

Revenue amounted to USD 13.1 billion, a decrease of 4% compared to the previous year. The decline primarily reflected lower average oil prices during the financial year, despite periods of heightened market volatility and stronger pricing towards the end of the period.

“This year, we have taken important steps to strengthen Bunker Holding for the future. We have simplified parts of the organisation, brought teams closer together, and made the changes needed to make us more focused and efficient. Our markets remained challenging and unpredictable, but I am pleased with both the result we have delivered and the progress we have made,” said Peder Møller, CEO of Bunker Holding.

Looking ahead to 2026/27, Bunker Holding anticipates intense market competition alongside continued investments in low- and zero-carbon fuel projects and partnerships.

Changes to the Board of Directors

Bunker Holding said the company is strengthening its Board of Directors with the appointment of several new members and a new Chairman of the Board.

Nina Østergaard, CEO and co-owner of USTC, will assume the role of Chairman of the Board, while Henrik Andersen, Group President and CEO of Vestas Wind Systems A/S, will join as Vice Chairman. Tina Revsbech, CEO of Maersk Tankers, and Kenneth Steengaard, Chairman of the Board of Global Risk Management, will join the Board as new members.

At the same time, current Chairman Klaus Nyborg and Board member Peter Frederiksen will step down from the Board.

Nina Østergaard, incoming Chairman of the Board, said: “I am excited to take on the role as Chairman of Bunker Holding at an important time in the company’s development. Bunker Holding has a strong market position, a clear strategic direction, and significant opportunities ahead. I am also pleased to welcome Henrik Andersen, Tina Revsbech, and Kenneth Steengaard to the Board. They each bring valuable experience and perspectives, and I am particularly pleased that we have attracted such strong international profiles as Henrik and Tina, whose leadership experience from Vestas and Maersk Tankers will further strengthen the Board and support the company’s continued development.”

The addition of Kenneth Steengaard moves Bunker Holding closer to its sister-company Global Risk Management and adds important insight into risk management.

Bunker Holding founder and co-owner Torben Østergaard-Nielsen thanked the departing Board members for their contributions to the company.

Photo credit: Bunker Holding
Published: 17 June, 2026

Business

Oilmar establishes Board of Directors amid international expansion

Three directors are Chief Executive Officer Yusif Mammadov, Chief Finance Officer Nain Shafi, and Legal, Credit and Compliance Head Taira Shikhiyeva.

Published

2 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Admin

Oilmar formalises Board of Directors amid international expansion

UAE-based marine fuel and petroleum products trader Oilmar on Tuesday (16 June) announced the formal establishment of its Board of Directors, marking an important milestone in the company’s evolution.

The three directors are Chief Executive Officer Yusif Mammadov, Chief Finance Officer Nain Shafi, and Legal, Credit and Compliance Head Taira Shikhiyeva.

The formation of the Board was first communicated during Oilmar’s Q1 2026 Townhall as part of a wider governance enhancement initiative and has now been formally implemented.

The Board has been established to provide strategic direction, oversee risk management and governance matters, and support the company’s continued growth across its global operations.

“At inception, the Board comprises three Directors with extensive international experience across the energy, maritime, shipping, and commodity trading sectors. Together, they bring a wealth of industry knowledge and strategic expertise to support the company’s continued growth and development,” the company said.

“The Board is expected to be further strengthened through the appointment of additional Executive and Non-Executive Directors as the company continues to expand its international footprint.”

As part of the enhanced governance framework, strategic direction, risk appetite, and key business objectives will be determined at Board level, while regional management teams will remain responsible for execution within their respective markets. This structure strengthens accountability, promotes effective decision-making, and supports the Company’s long-term growth and succession objectives.

CEO Yusif Mammadov, said: “The establishment of the Board marks the next stage in Oilmar’s development as a global energy and marine fuels business. It creates a governance framework that will support our future growth, strengthen oversight across the organisation, and ensure that our strategic decisions are guided by long-term value creation and responsible risk management.”

Photo credit: Oilmar
Published: 17 June, 2026