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

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INPEX will supply B24 biofuel to the VLGC, chartered by Astomos, through a bunker vessel operated by Monjasa at Khor Fakkan port in the UAE emirate of Sharjah over the next few months.
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Japanese LPG importer Astomos Energy Corporation (Astomos) and Japanese energy firm INPEX CORPORATION (INPEX) on Thursday (11 May) said they reached an agreement to supply B24 biofuel bunker to a Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) chartered by Astomos in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Over the next several months, INPEX will supply B24 biofuel to the VLGC through a bunker vessel operated by Monjasa at Khor Fakkan port in the UAE emirate of Sharjah. This will be the first instance in which biofuel is supplied to a VLGC in the Middle East.

B24 biofuel consists of 24 percent fatty acid methyl ester (FAME2 ) and 76 percent very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO), a conventional bunker fuel. Dubai-based Neutral Fuels3 will produce the FAME from waste cooking oil collected from restaurants and hotels in the UAE. Monjasa will supply the VLSFO and blend it with the FAME.

The use of B24 biofuel is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 15~20 percent compared to conventional bunker fuel. The FAME is certified by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification system, which guarantees the sustainability of its sources.

INPEX, in collaboration with partners around the world, plans to expand its biofuel business, develop a liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering business in the UAE and Indonesia and develop alternative fuels including ammonia and methanol.

The group said it strived to help maintain and strengthen the cordial relations between the UAE and Japan by proactively engaging in the development and production of both crude oil and clean energy such as hydrogen and ammonia, as well as social contribution activities, in the UAE.

Related: Astomos, NYK Line complete B24 biofuel bunker trial with GCMD consortium
Related: GCMD-led consortium completes trials of sustainable biofuel bunker supply chains
Related: Argus Media: Japanese firms study marine biofuel output from trash
Related: GCMD-led consortium to establish supply chain of green marine fuels

Photo credit: Hassan Pasha on Unsplash
Published: 12 May, 2023

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