Avenir LNG on Tuesday (1 September) announced the completion of the transaction first announced in March, establishing Avenir LNG as a 50/50 joint venture between NYK Line and Stolt-Nielsen.

The partnership brings together the global reach, expertise and capabilities of two leading maritime groups, providing an even stronger platform from which Avenir can continue to grow.

“For Avenir, our focus remains clear: expanding our global LNG bunkering and small-scale LNG activities, accelerating the adoption of Bio-LNG, and helping our customers navigate the transition towards lower-carbon shipping,” the company said. 

“We are incredibly proud of what the Avenir team has built to date and excited about what this new partnership makes possible.”

With the completion of the transaction, NYK said it has established a joint ownership and operating structure with Stolt-Nielsen for Avenir LNG, an operator in the LNG bunkering sector with one of the world’s largest fleets of LNG bunker vessels.

“The joint venture will pursue opportunities in LNG and bio-LNG bunkering, supporting the maritime industry’s transition to lower-emission fuels,” NYK said in a separate statement. 

Photo credit: Avenir LNG
Published: 2 September, 2026

The Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) recently released its latest edition of frequently asked questions (FAQ) on the bunkering of biofuels for ocean-going vessels in the Port of Singapore. 

This update covers the latest technical, commercial, test and regulatory guidance of biofuel bunkering and onboard use of marine biofuels. 

The focus of the document is on FAME-based liquid biofuels and blends as this type of biofuel is expected to become most widely adopted by the shipping industry. Other non-FAME-based biofuels have also been addressed where relevant.

It also covers commercial considerations, including biofuel supply and availability, market outlook, pricing, sustainability documentation, government incentives, and the commercial supply chain for biofuels in Singapore.

“This publication is relevant to technical, marine, operations, sustainability and compliance personnel of ship owners and operators,” SSA said in a social media post.

“The FAQ is intended to be only for informational purposes and is not exhaustive.”

Note: SSA’s ‘FAQ on Bunkering of Biofuels for Ocean-Going Vessels in the Port of Singapore’ can be read here. 

Photo credit: Singapore Shipping Association
Published: 1 September, 2026

Once a week, bunker intelligence platform ENGINE will publish a snapshot of alternative and conventional bunker fuel prices in the world’s two biggest bunkering hubs. The following is the latest snapshot:

31 August 2026

• Rotterdam B100 over $66/mt costlier than VLSFO
• LBM loses ground against HSFO
• Singapore VLSFO faces supply squeeze

B100’s premium over VLSFO in Rotterdam has widened to $67/mt, after the spread narrowed to just $10/mt last week. The same pattern has played out in Singapore, where B100’s premium over VLSFO has widened by $28/mt to $326/mt.

The OceanScore FuelEU Pooling Index, meanwhile, has barely moved for a second straight week, inching up by just €0.60/mtCO2e to €119.50/mtCO2e.

“Market activity has been subdued during the summer holiday period, with limited activity across the FuelEU pooling market,” OceanScore said. “Against this quieter backdrop, available offers continue to reflect differing seller strategies and underlying surplus generation costs,” it added.

Rotterdam’s liquefied biomethane (LBM) has also lost its regulation-driven edge against HSFO on EU-EU voyages.

For vessels with diesel slow-speed (SS) engines, LBM has flipped from a $6/mt discount to HSFO last week to a $117/mt premium. For vessels with Otto medium-speed (MS) engines, its premium has widened by $121/mt to $284/mt.

LBM has also become less competitive against VLSFO. Its premium over VLSFO for Otto MS vessels has widened by $87/mt to $153/mt, while its discount for diesel SS vessels has shrunk by $89/mt to just $14/mt.

Liquid fuels

Rotterdam’s conventional bunker fuel prices have dropped by $13-58/mt over the past week, while B100 has moved sharply in the opposite direction, gaining $43/mt. The port’s B30-VLSFO and B30-LSMGO prices have risen by $67/mt and $41/mt, respectively.

The ARA has seen low bunker demand of late. Fuel availability in the bunkering hub is tight for prompt supplies, with recommended lead times of around 5-7 days to get good coverage, a trader told ENGINE.

The Dutch ZRE A price has gained €22.50/mtCO2e over the past week to €152.50/mtCO2e.

Singapore’s conventional bunker fuel prices have dropped by $37-56/mt over the past week and its B100 has declined by a much smaller $9/mt.

VLSFO availability in Singapore remains tight, with lead times varying significantly between suppliers from 7 to 19 days. A source attributed the tightness to reduced supply and shortages of blending components.

Liquid gases

Rotterdam’s LNG prices have gained $46-48/mt over the past week, depending on engine type. LNG holds $243-402/mt premiums over VLSFO, and $85-244/mt discounts to LSMGO in Rotterdam.

LBM prices have risen even more sharply, surging by $74-76/mt on the week. LBM’s discounts to LNG in Rotterdam have narrowed slightly to $249-257/mt.

Singapore’s LNG prices have edged lower by $3-4/mt.

By Konica Bhatt

Photo credit and source: ENGINE
Published: 1 September, 2026