Astomos and INPEX complete Middle East’s first ever biofuel bunkering to VLGC

Japanese LPG importer Astomos Energy Corporation (Astomos) and Japanese energy firm INPEX CORPORATION (INPEX) on Thursday (22 June) said they completed the supply of B24 biofuel bunker to a Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) chartered by Astomos.

Based on an agreement between the two parties announced on 11 May, INPEX supplied B24 biofuel to the VLGC Lycaste Peace at Sharjah port in the emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 21 May through bunker vessel Monjasa Shaker operated by Monjasa. 

The occasion marked the first instance in which biofuel was supplied to a VLGC in the Middle East. Lycaste Peacesafely completed the use of the B24 biofuel on June 5.

B24 biofuel consists of 24% fatty acid methyl ester (FAME3) and 76% very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), a conventional bunker fuel. Dubai-based Neutral Fuels produced the FAME used in the supplied B24 biofuel from waste cooking oil collected from restaurants and hotels in the UAE. Monjasa supplied the VLSFO and blended it with the FAME. 

The International Sustainability & Carbon Certification system, which covers various bio-based feedstocks and renewables, certified the FAME.

Astomos and INPEX have a track record of pursuing a joint initiative toward the realisation of a carbon neutral society, including entering a carbon neutral propane gas sales and purchase agreement in September 2021. 

The recent biofuel bunker supply in the Middle East is in line with this initiative, which the companies will take steps to accelerate including expanding the supply of biofuel bunker.

Related: Astomos, INPEX in agreement on Middle East’s first bio bunker fuel supply for VLGC

Photo credit: Marine Traffic/ Bridge Valley
Published: 26 June, 2023