Biofuel

Interview: Monjasa gearing up for an increase in biofuel bunkering in Singapore

Morten Østergaard Jacobsen, Managing Director Asia, elaborates on Monjasa’s next steps in alternative marine fuels following its inaugural biofuel bunkering in Singapore, amongst others.

Published

2 years ago

August 28, 2024

Admin

In an exclusive interview with Singapore-based bunkering publication Manifold Times, Morten Østergaard Jacobsen, Managing Director Asia of international bunkering firm Monjasa, recently highlighted the company’s next steps in biofuel and other alternative marine fuels following its inaugural biofuel bunkering in Singapore as well as the importance of International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) EU certificate and Proof and Sustainability:

MT: Could you share with us your recent biofuel delivery milestone in Singapore?

Monjasa supplied 2,000 metric tonnes (mt) of B24 to container vessel YM Wonderland on 24 July 2024. The supply was organised and supplied by Monjasa using barge MT Radiance, which is one of three barges controlled by Monjasa in the Port of Singapore.

MT: Following Monjasa’s inaugural biofuel bunkering operation at Singapore port on 24 July, what long term plans does the firm have to expand its biofuels bunkering foothold at the world’s largest bunkering port?

We are pleased to have successfully sourced, shipped and delivered biofuels in the Port of Singapore for the first time. An important milestone for our seafarers, trading and operations departments towards enabling the low-carbon fuel mix.

Looking at the overall biofuels landscape in Singapore, we expect to see more and more inquiries, not least because of our global operations and 15 offices which enables us to organise biofuels supplies on a string of supply locations across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

MT: Why is it necessary for bunkering firms to obtain ISCC EU certification and Proof and Sustainability (PoS) documents for biofuel bunkering operations worldwide?

We believe that there are several advantages of being ISCC-certified and able to issue a PoS along with a biofuel delivery. The PoS is for shipowners the first step towards compliance with maritime decarbonisation legislation, as it provides a credible and verified account of the emission savings associated with the biofuel product.

MT: Do scenarios exist where biofuel bunkering operations can be conducted without the above credentials? And what are the risks shipowners take when they lift a biofuel bunker stem without these credentials?

It is not a legal requirement to be ISCC-certified or issue a PoS with a biofuel delivery. At the end of the day, it is the responsibility of the shipowner to document savings, which is not possible without a PoS. The risks linked to delivering a non-certified product is that the product does not live up to expected standards.

In the biofuels feedstock market, products can easily be claimed to be sustainable, but it is the PoS that ensures the product is in fact sustainably produced, sourced, etc. This is why the ISCC system brings value by verifying the supply chain.

MT: Aside from PoS documents, what other checks does Monjasa conduct to ensure biofuels supplied comes from legitimate sustainable sources?

In addition to the ISCC, Monjasa conducts internal due diligence with respect to our ISO standards, including HSEQ and compliance evaluations. We also conduct prior checks of suppliers on certification alignment with the ISCC database.

MT: Even though palm-based biofuel is not recognised by the EU as a sustainable energy source, the product may still be useful as a bunker fuel for ships travelling outside EU. Will Monjasa consider including palm-based biofuel within its product portfolio for clients plying non-EU routes? And what are the commercial benefits in doing so?

In general, Monjasa will deliver the product requested by a customer, but if the feedstock is not RED-compliant, we are not able to issue a PoS along with the delivery.

MT: Since biofuels are produced from a variety of sources, how does Monjasa balance interests between clients choosing biofuels produced from particular feedstocks given limited avails while ensuring quality in these cases?

Monjasa seeks to establish supply chains, where there is availability and demand, for it to make commercial sense. Yes, there is limited availability of certain types of biofuels, which means we sometimes have to source from multiple suppliers to establish one delivery and meet customer requirements.

ISCC does not ensure quality. This is ensured through other standards, such as the ISO 8217. Currently, there is no universal reference to an industry standard, but we are hopeful that the recently issued ISO8217:2024 can become a commonly referred to standard for biofuels within the industry. Until then, we continue to observe market developments on biofuel quality standards as well as conduct tests on the products delivered in alignment with the standard preferred by the customer.

MT: Besides biofuels, does Monjasa have any plans to introduce other alternative fuels to the Singapore bunker market?

Our ambition is to remain a relevant trading partner and offer the full fuel mix requested by the shipping industry. Right now, our focus is on educating our colleagues on the new fuel types to ensure that Monjasa is ready to supply these products once a more liquid low-carbon fuels market emerges. But it’s not up to the bunkering industry alone.

We need to work together, shipping companies, suppliers and authorities to establish a viable way forward. Right now, I believe that we are all awaiting further regulation to push demand up and ensure the green shipping transition in due time.

MT: With SIBCON 2024 around the corner, are there any exciting announcements/plans that Monjasa will be sharing on its operations in Singapore and Asia?

We have recently added a third barge, the newbuild MT Zale, to our supply operations in the Port of Singapore, which already consists of MT Zmaga and MT Radiance. As a direct result, we are servicing more customers than ever and seeing a substantial increase in volumes compared to previous years.

Looking at the wider Asian region, we are ready to size new opportunities when the timing is right. Just like we did when expanding to Ho Chi Minh City and Shanghai during the recent years.

Photo credit: Monjasa
Published: 28 August, 2024

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Alternative Fuels

MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency.

Published

3 hours ago

June 4, 2026

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MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (3 June) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company to strengthen collaboration in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, innovation, and manpower development.

The MoU was signed on 25 May 2026 by Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, and Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC.

The MoU underscores the shared commitment of MPA and MSC to foster a sustainable, digital, and future-ready maritime sector, while enhancing MSC’s operational and business activities in Singapore. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of MSC establishing its Asia Regional Office and local office in Singapore.

Under the MoU, MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency and operational performance.

MPA and MSC will also collaborate on maritime digitalisation initiatives to improve operational efficiency, including streamlining vessel arrivals and port operations.

On manpower development, MSC will support internship and scholarship opportunities through Singapore Maritime Foundation’s Maritime Outreach Network (MaritimeONE) platform, an industry-led tripartite partnership comprising industry, government and institutes of higher learning that aims to raise awareness of the maritime industry and attract quality talent into the maritime sector.

Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “This partnership reflects the strong collaboration between MPA and MSC in driving sustainability and digitalisation in the maritime sector. By working together on decarbonisation, operational efficiency and talent development, we aim to strengthen Maritime Singapore’s position as a trusted and future-ready global maritime hub.”

Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC, said: “Singapore is a strategically important hub for MSC and a key gateway to the broader Asia region. As we mark 30 years in Singapore, this MOU reinforces our long-term commitment to strengthening our presence here. MSC and Singapore are closely aligned on the priorities shaping the future of global shipping, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to drive the continued growth and resilience of the maritime industry.”

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 4 June, 2026

Biofuel

BHP and GCMD trial multi-feedstock B100 bio bunker fuel on bulk carrier

Bio-blend in the BHP and GCMD pilot is being used on a BHP-chartered bulk carrier “Berge Lyngor”, which was bunkered in Singapore in early May.

Published

1 day ago

June 3, 2026

Admin

BHP and GCMD trial multi-feedstock B100 bio bunker fuel on bulk carrier

BHP and the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) on Wednesday (3 June) said they have blended biofuels from two distinct feedstocks—used cooking oil and waste animal fats —and introduced the lower-emissions marine fuel into a BHP-chartered bulk carrier as part of a pilot project.

The bio-blend in the BHP and GCMD pilot is being used on a BHP-chartered bulk carrier Berge Lyngor, owned and operated by Berge Bulk, transporting BHP iron ore from Western Australia to China. When run on bio-blend, the vessel has the potential to reduce well-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 79 per cent per voyage compared to sailing on very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO).

The vessel bunkered in Singapore in early May with a B100 bio-blend comprising 50 percent tallow-derived biodiesel, sourced and supplied by HAMR Energy, and 50 per cent used cooking oil (UCOME) supplied by Mitsui & Co Energy Trading Singapore (METS).

Mitsui also blended the fuel and Dan-Bunkering coordinated and executed the bunkering operation, which was performed by Global Energy’s barge MT Maple.

The BHP and GCMD pilot will assess how biofuels from multiple feedstocks can be blended, handled, and introduced under real-world operating conditions using existing used cooking oil bunkering infrastructure.

At the same time, insights from this pilot will help identify solutions to challenges related to fuel quality, handling, traceability, and onboard vessel performance.

Biofuels for global shipping today rely heavily on used cooking oil – a feedstock whose availability is approaching its projected limits. Biofuel from waste animal fats presents a promising option to expand the supply of lower-emissions marine fuels.

The outcomes of the pilot are expected to shed light on the practical steps to integrate biofuel blends from different feedstocks into existing supply chains. The diversity of biofuels will provide shipowners and operators with greater flexibility to optimise fuel procurement based on cost, availability, and lifecycle emissions performance.

Biofuels derived from different feedstocks can exhibit varying properties that may impact operations, including potential corrosion from oxidation, fuel system clogging caused by wax formation, which this pilot aims to assess.

The pilot will trace and verify the biofuel blend’s integrity aimed at bolstering confidence in emissions reductions reporting. The pilot will also provide insights into how robust tracing can support future marine fuel supply chains where biofuels from multiple feedstocks with varying lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions footprints are blended together.

This project is co-funded by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore under the Maritime Innovation and Technology Fund (MINT).

Photo credit: Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation
Published: 3 June, 2026

Biofuel

NYK starts one-year B100 bio bunker fuel trial on car carrier

In this trial, NYK will operate a car carrier continuously on B100 for one year to evaluate the impact on engines, fuel supply systems, and operational practices.

Published

1 day ago

June 3, 2026

Admin

NYK starts one-year B100 bio bunker fuel trial on car carrier

Japanese shipping firm NYK on Tuesday (2 June) said it has commenced a one-year long-term trial involving the continuous use of 100% biofuel (B100) on an NYK-operated car carrier.

In this trial, NYK will operate a car carrier continuously on B100 for one year to evaluate the impact on engines, fuel supply systems, and operational practices. High-purity biofuels such as B100 are known to be susceptible to degradation from oxygen, light, and heat, raising concerns about the stability of such fuels during long-term use.

In this trial, the biofuel primarily comprises FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) derived from used cooking oil and similar feedstocks.

The initiative is designed to evaluate the fuel’s effects on the vessel’s equipment and verify operational safety under real-world conditions.

Through this effort, NYK seeks to accumulate technical expertise that will support the broader use of high-purity biofuels and further accelerate efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

NYK has been advancing the use of biofuels through various initiatives. In 2024, the company conducted a trial using biofuel blend B24 and subsequently expanded practical usage to B30. However, the company said there remains limited global experience with the long-term continuous use of B100.

“By collecting long-term operational data through this trial, NYK aims to accumulate valuable technical insights to support both the safe operation of vessels and the wider adoption of high-purity biofuels,” it said.

Photo credit: NYK
Published: 3 June, 2026