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Glander International Bunkering provides guide on buying bio bunker fuels

Firm elaborates on key considerations when buying biofuel bunkers and focuses on generations and certifications in the guide; also touches on price considerations and fuel testing.

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Global bunker trading firm Glander International Bunkering, which recently received ISCC EU and ISCC Plus certificates for its biofuel operations in Norway and Geneva offices, published a guide on what to look out for when procuring biofuel bunkers and focuses on generations and certifications in this guide.

The firm also touches on fuel testing and price considerations:

Beyond choosing the appropriate conventional fuel grade for the blend, the provenance of the biofuel component is a key consideration. Biofuels such as Biodiesel or HVO are produced from a range of biomass feedstocks, with varying degrees of environmental credentials.

The feedstock types are divided into generations: first-generation biofuels are produced from food crops on arable land, the second generation come from waste products from industries like fish processing, while the third are sourced from more advanced sources like algae.

Products produced from first-generation are increasingly frowned upon by various groups both for taking away arable land and for not delivering sufficient net reductions in GHG emissions, particularly when sourced from palm oil, and may increasingly face legal restrictions in the coming years. For that reason, first-generation biofuels are considered as ‘fossil’ under IMO regulations and will not play a role in decarbonising the shipping sector.

Production of biofuels from second-generation is currently being expanded significantly, but output levels cannot rise indefinitely without sufficient waste feedstock, and a range of industries including aviation will soon be competing aggressively for access to these fuels. And production of the third generation has yet to take off in a significant way.

A certified supply chain

Guaranteeing the origins of the biofuels is another important consideration, to ensure that the emissions savings are genuine and have not been double-counted.

In drawing up their guidelines for biofuel bunkering, Singapore’s authorities as an example have recommended that buyers only take on biofuel blends that have been certified by the ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification).

The ISCC certification ensures that biofuels meet internationally recognized sustainability and traceability standards. Assessing the sustainability credentials of biofuel producers, verifying the compliance of their production processes, and ensuring transparency throughout the supply chain is key when purchasing biofuels.

IMO has also just adopted a guideline on biofuels defining the criteria for a sustainable biofuel and how it should be reported into the IMO Data Collection System.

Biofuel quality tests

Even though biofuels are an excellent low-carbon solution and drop-in fuel, there are parameters to look out for that may be less familiar to buyers used only to conventional fuels. The ISO 8217 tests used for conventional bunkers work as an initial check of relevant quality parameters of the blends, however fuel quality firm VPS also recommends carrying out tests looking out for the following parameters:

  • Renewable content
  • Oxidation stability
  • Energy content
  • Cold flow properties
  • Corrosivity
  • Microbiological activity

Price considerations

Considering costs, this can vary significantly around the world according to local regulations, availability and last mile delivery. In Europe biofuels demand will be driven by FuelEU Maritime regulation, mandating for GHG reduction in shipping as of 2025, which will have an effect on biofuels prices. Though today bunkering for example in the Netherlands can benefit from subsidies that can apply to biofuel bunker sales and reduce their net costs significantly. In the US the lack of similar measures has meant the marine biofuel market has yet to emerge in a significant way.

In Singapore, recent market analysis has put the cost of a B30-VLSFO blend at a premium of 20-30% over VLSFO prices.

Ultimately, most of the pitfalls around buying biofuel bunkers can be avoided in the selection of an experienced marine fuels firm to help with the purchase. An ISCC certified and well-established company will be able to guide shipping companies through every stage of decision-making, from quality assurance to emissions planning and reporting, delivering peace of mind to the buyer.

Related: Glander International Bunkering receives ISCC certificates for biofuels
Related: Singapore: MPA develops framework to support biofuel bunker fuel deliveries
Related: Glander International Bunkering relaunches Pledge for Her for International Women’s Day
Related: Glander International Bunkering promotes Morten Langthjem to group’s first CCO

 

Photo credit: Glander International Bunkering
Published: 24 August, 2023

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Methanol

World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to “Arctic Tern” via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel “M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan”.

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World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Marine fuel provider World Fuel on Tuesday (21 July) said it successfully completed the first green methanol bunkering of M/V Arctic Tern, with EUKOR Car Carriers and SIPG Energy at the Port of Shanghai. 

Arctic Tern is the first vessel in the new Shaper Class series of car carriers. 

The operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to Arctic Tern via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan, the largest vessel of its kind in operation. 

The bunkering operation was carried out at Haitong Terminal, Waigaoqiao Port Area, Shanghai Port, with cargo handling operations conducted simultaneously during bunkering.

This marks EUKOR Car Carriers’ first green methanol operation and the first time Arctic Tern has bunkered methanol since its delivery on 9 July. The operation marked the first bunkering at Shanghai Port of green methanol produced locally in Shanghai for an international PCTC operator. 

It also demonstrated the city’s integrated green methanol value chain, spanning local production, storage and bunkering, and established a replicable “Shanghai Model” for green methanol supply.

World Fuel arranged the supply and delivery of the fuel on behalf of EUKOR Car Carriers, working with SIPG Energy as the physical supplier at the Port of Shanghai.

The green methanol supplied was produced from municipal solid waste, ISCC-EU certified, and had a carbon intensity value below 25 gCO₂e/MJ.

Arctic Tern is the first of fourteen Shaper Class vessels ordered by Wallenius Wilhelmsen. With a capacity of 9,300 car equivalent units and methanol dual-fuel capability, the vessel will be operated by EUKOR Car Carriers, jointly owned by Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Hyundai Motor Group. Following her first green methanol bunkering, Arctic Tern will continue her maiden voyage from Asia to Europe.

Xavier Leroi, COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen and CEO of EUKOR Car Carriers, said: “Completing Arctic Tern’s first green methanol bunkering shortly after delivery is a significant milestone towards our decarbonisation ambition for both EUKOR Car Carriers and Wallenius Wilhelmsen. It demonstrates how investments in next-generation vessel technology and fuel flexibility are being translated into real-world operations. 

“This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between all parties involved. Together, we have shown how partnerships across the maritime value chain can help make lower-emission fuels available and operationally viable at scale.”

Mark Tamsitt, SVP Global Marine Sales at World Fuel, said, “The first bunkering event with a new fuel is a significant moment for any shipowner, and our role is to make it as seamless as possible. By connecting EUKOR Car Carriers with SIPG Energy’s proven green methanol capability at the Port of Shanghai, we were able to deliver on reliable supply, fuel quality, and safe processes. As more of our customers bring methanol dual-fuel tonnage into service, we are committed to being the partner that makes these kinds of operations routine.”

Mr. Zhang Da, General Manager of SIPG Energy, said, “Welcoming Arctic Tern to the Port of Shanghai for her first green methanol bunkering demonstrates the strength and maturity of our supply capability. Building on our well-established methanol ship-to-ship bunkering services for container vessels, we have already extended such services to pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). This bunkering sets a new record for the largest single SIMOPs green methanol bunkering for PCTCs in China, marking another step in building Shanghai’s position as a global green energy hub for international shipping.”

This operation follows Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s announcement on 9 July that Arctic Tern would complete her first methanol bunkering shortly after delivery. The vessel entered service on routes between Asia and Europe immediately following handover from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing.

 

Photo credit: World Fuel
Published: 22 July, 2026

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Ammonia

HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

HPA says the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

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HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and integrated energy company MB Energy on Tuesday (21 July) said they have completed a comprehensive risk analysis and developed a dedicated safety concept for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering.

MB Energy said the analysis lays the groundwork for the safe introduction of ammonia as a future marine fuel.

“With our planned ammonia import terminal in Hamburg-Blumensand, MB Energy intends to provide the reliable land side supply infrastructure needed to support this transition across northern German ports,” it said in a social media post. 

Mabanaft Group was renamed to MB Energy last year and merged over 50 existing brands under one identity. 

Separately, HPA said the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

“The focus is in particular on container ships, cruise ships as well as RoRo and ConRo (Container/RoRo) ships,” it said. 

“We expect ammonia to establish itself as an alternative marine marine fuel in the coming years. With our preparatory work, we are already creating the conditions to welcome the first ammonia-powered ships in Hamburg and to bunker them safely.:

HPA added that the import terminal for ammonia planned by MB Energy from 2029 will make a decisive contribution to ensuring the reliable availability of ammonia as a bunker fuel in northern German ports in the long term. 

“The use of an ammonia bunker barge is considered a possible addition to the landside infrastructure to enable ship bunkering in the port and beyond in the future,” it said.

Related: Mabanaft Group renames as MB Energy, merging over 50 brands under one identity

 

Photo credit: Hamburg Port Authority
Published: 22 July, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

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PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. 

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post. 

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024. 

 

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026

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