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Financial Result

Bunker Holding parent company USTC declares ‘Annus Horribilis’ for 2023/2024 FY

‘As CEO, it is not pleasant to read this year’s financial statements. It is far below what the Group has achieved in recent years,’ says co-owner and CEO of USTC Nina Østergaard Borris.

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The financial year 2023/24 has proven to be an “Annus Horribilis” for USTC, owned by the Østergaard family, the Bunker Holding parent company said on Tuesday (25 June). 

The landslide at Nordic Waste and other isolated losses have resulted in a significant decline in earnings.

  • Profit before tax for the year amounts to DKK 252 million (USD 36,159,102), a substantial drop from last year’s record result of DKK 2,926 million.
  • The continuing activities of the group delivered the second-best result in the Group’s history with DKK 1,834 million, but large losses from the closure of individual activities amounting to DKK 1,582 million must be deducted.
  • Four USTC companies each contributed with a profit before tax of more than DKK 200 million from their continuing activities, namely Bunker Holding, CM Biomass, SDK FREJA, and Uni-Tankers. This is a concrete result of the Group’s strategy to have multiple revenue streams.
  • Revenue fell to DKK 117 billion from DKK 150 billion in the previous financial year.
  • USTC’s equity stands at DKK 4.5 billion, and the Group employs more than 4,500 employees across 164 offices in 38 countries.

USTC said its strategy of being present in many different sectors and industries has been crucial in ensuring a positive result before tax for the financial year 2023/24. 

The significant losses in individual activities lie with SDK FREJA, which has suffered substantial losses in connection with attempts to halt the landslide at Nordic Waste and the subsequent closure of the company. 

Additionally, Bunker Holding had to accept large losses from the termination of the cargo activities in Africa; a decision made due to political instability, self-sanctioning in relation to the sale of Russian oil, and generally unfavourable market conditions.

“As CEO, it is not pleasant to read this year’s financial statements. It is far below what the Group has achieved in recent years. I am, of course, not satisfied with the result itself, but I note that the Group as a whole has had a good start to the new financial year. It speaks volumes about the company’s culture that we can take some hard hits but keep fighting, and I am very impressed with what our employees have accomplished,” said co-owner and CEO of USTC Nina Østergaard Borris.

The continuing activities in Bunker Holding, CM Biomass, Uni-Tankers, and SDK FREJA, have delivered very positive results of more than DKK 200 million each despite challenging market conditions. Unit IT has grown significantly and has made substantial acquisitions, which negatively impacts this year’s result but positions the company strong for growth in the coming years.

High expectations for the new financial year

As a conglomerate with a mix of operating companies, USTC has many revenue streams. Despite the year’s losses, the core business is in excellent shape, and the necessary write-offs have been made, so the companies are well positioned for continued growth.

“One disaster rarely comes alone, and the past year has in every way been an “annus horribilis” with the closure of activities we otherwise had high expectations for. It has particularly hurt us all that we had to let a company in the Group go bankrupt for the first time in our nearly 150-year history,” says co-owner and chairman of the board Torben Østergaard-Nielsen, adding:

“That said, I am proud that we are closing the year with a positive result. Had we avoided these isolated events, USTC would have delivered its second-best result ever. This gives me confidence for the future.”

The Group’s annual results will be submitted to the Danish Business Authority in July, once they have been finally approved by the boards and shareholders.

Factsheet for Annual Results of USTC Companies

Bunker Holding 

Bunker Holding decided in early 2024 to shut down its cargo activities in Africa due to political instability, self-sanctioning in relation to the sale of Russian oil, and unfavourable market conditions in the region. This resulted in significant losses in 2023/24.

The continuing activities in Bunker Holding delivered a profit before tax of DKK 875 million, broadly distributed across Bunker Holding’s portfolio of trading units and other activities.

The continuing activities in Bunker Holding also delivered a positive start to the new financial year 2024/25, and the Group remains fully focused on transitioning to new, green fuels, where Bunker Holding’s Centre of Excellence with specialists and experts in LNG, ammonia, biofuels, etc., has been joined by 40 dedicated and trained traders in these areas during the year.

Bunker Holding can now supply biofuel through more than 100 supply locations globally. The plans for a physical LNG supply operation in Northwest Europe are underway, and the supply operation is expected to be operational later in 2024.

Note: The full statement by USTC on the financial year 2023/24 can be found here.

 

Photo credit: USTC
Published: 26 June, 2024

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Financial Result

CBL International returns to profit as 1H sales volumes rise 10.9%

Gross profit rose 140.5% to USD 6.53 million from USD 2.71 million, while gross profit margin expanded from 1.02% in 1H2025 to 1.65% in 1H2026.

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CBL International Limited (CBL), the listing vehicle of Banle Group (Banle) logo

CBL International Limited (CBL), the listing vehicle of the Banle Group (Banle), a marine fuel logistics company in the Asia-Pacific region, on Tuesday (18 August) announced its unaudited financial results for the first half of 2026 and declared a special cash dividend of USD 0.10 per share.

The company reported consolidated revenue of USD 395.59 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, representing a 49.2% increase from USD 265.17 million in the same period of 2025. The increase was driven primarily by the surge in global oil prices arising from the escalation of Middle East geopolitical tensions and secondarily by the 10.9% growth in sales volume.

Gross profit rose 140.5% to USD 6.53 million from USD 2.71 million, while gross profit margin expanded from 1.02% in 1H2025 to 1.65% in 1H2026. This 63-basis-point improvement reflects CBL’s strengthened ability to secure reliable supply and meet elevated customer demand at competitive pricing amid tighter Middle East bunker availability and heightened market volatility. The multi-year investments in network coverage and supplier relationships enabled the Company to capture demand arising from vessel rerouting while protecting and expanding margins.

Total operating expenses increased by 2.2% year-on-year to USD 3.49 million from USD 3.42 million, demonstrating continued cost discipline. Selling and distribution expenses increased by (+9.6%) in line with higher volumes, while general and administrative expenses remained at the same level as the same period in 2025. 

The company recorded operating income of USD 3.04 million compared with an operating loss of USD 701,000 in 1H2025, and net income of approximately USD 1.50 million compared with a net loss of USD 992,000 in the prior-year period.

CBL’s multi-year strategy of port expansion and supplier development continued to deliver tangible results. As of 30 June 2026, the company’s global service network had expanded to more than 70 ports, enabling it to serve key global trade routes with competitive pricing and reliable delivery.

Asia Pacific remained the primary revenue driver. Elevated bunker demand arising from vessels redirected away from the Middle East toward Far East and intra-Asia corridors was captured through the strengthened regional network. Sales concentration among the top five customers declined to below 60% (compared with 60.4% in 1H2025 and 66.7% in 1H2024), while revenue from the top 12 global container liner customers increased to 68.6% from 60.1%. Customers acquired within the past two years contributed 23.5% of total sales during the first half of 2026.

Despite significant geopolitical disruptions—including the escalation of Middle East conflicts involving Iran, threats to close the Strait of Hormuz in March 2026, ongoing Red Sea instability, and the impacts of U.S. tariff policies—CBL demonstrated strong resilience. CBL’s diversified supplier network enabled the Company to secure supplies under constrained conditions and successfully meet elevated customer demand in the Far East and other regions. The overall impact on CBL has so far been limited in negative terms and supported volume growth.

A key strategic development was the April 2026 acquisition of a 50.5% majority stake in Green Marine Energy Holdings Limited. Green Marine operates complementary businesses in sustainable feedstock distribution and licensed bunkering of conventional and biofuels in Malaysian waters. This investment enhances CBL’s upstream capabilities, supports integrated biofuel supply chain development, and strengthens its physical bunker capabilities in Malaysia.

Dr. Teck Lim Chia, Chairman and CEO of CBL International Limited, said: “Our first half results mark an important milestone. Our return to profitability was driven by the tangible payoff from multi-year investments in our global supplier network and operational capabilities. Despite significant geopolitical disruptions and market volatility, we grew sales volume by 10.9% and expanded our gross profit margin by 63 basis points. 

“The acquisition of a majority stake in Green Marine further positions us upstream in the sustainable fuel value chain and strengthens our physical bunker capabilities in Malaysia. These achievements underscore the resilience of our business model and the effectiveness of our long-term strategy.

“As regulatory frameworks for maritime decarbonization continue to evolve and customer demand for lower-carbon fuels is expected to strengthen, CBL is well positioned with ISCC certifications, an expanding sustainable energy portfolio, and the Green Marine platform. We remain focused on disciplined cost management, further network expansion, and capturing opportunities across both conventional and sustainable marine fuels to deliver sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value, including through the declaration of a special cash dividend of USD 0.10 per share.”

Looking ahead, CBL expects to:

  • Further integrate Green Marine’s feedstock distribution and Malaysian bunkering capabilities, while scaling biofuel offerings and exploring LNG and methanol solutions to support customers’ decarbonization goals.
  • Maintain disciplined cost management, continue to increase operational efficiency and leverage expanded banking facilities and capital markets tools to support working capital, growth initiatives, and potential shareholder return programs.
  • Remain vigilant regarding geopolitical risks, oil price volatility, U.S. trade policy developments, and regulatory changes, while staying cautiously optimistic about the outlook for the second half of 2026 and beyond.

Related: CBL International acquires majority stake in Green Marine Energy
Related: CBL International reports surge in biofuel sales by 154.7% year-on-year in 1H2025

 

Photo credit: Banle Group
Published: 19 August, 2026

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Financial Result

Fratelli Cosulich marine energy unit records EUR 7.1 million net profit in 2025

Bunker Trading revenue, the Group’s core activity, at the end of the year stood at approximately EUR 1.382 million compared to approximately EUR 1.638 million in 2024.

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Fratelli Cosulich marine energy unit records EUR 7.1 million net profit in 2025

Genoa-based international shipping and logistics company Fratelli Cosulich Group on Thursday (31 July) recorded EUR 58.6 million (USD 68 million) in EBITDA in 2025, substantially in line with the EUR 59.7 million recorded in 2024 and remaining close to its all-time highs. 

The company’s consolidated turnover reached EUR 1.877 billion, compared with EUR 2.128 billion in 2024.

“This decrease must be read considering the significant weight of Marine Energy and bunker trading activities, where turnover is naturally influenced by fuel prices, market dynamics and the euro dollar exchange rate,” the company said in its 2025 annual report. 

“For this reason, the reduction in revenues does not represent a proportional decrease in the Group’s operational strength.”

The Group recorded a net profit of EUR 20 million with its marine energy business unit delivering EUR 7.1 million. The unit also achieved EUR 16.8 million in EBITDA. 

In 2024, the company recorded a net profit of EUR 20.6 million with its marine energy business unit delivering EUR 5.6 million. The unit also achieved EUR 28.1 million in EBITDA. 

On the performance of its bunker trading activity, also during the year just ended, as in 2024, the company said margin stabilisation was recorded, remaining at levels similar to the average of previous years.

Bunker Trading revenue, the Group’s core activity, at the end of the year stood at approximately EUR 1.382 million compared to approximately EUR 1.638 million in 2024.

“In 2025, Marine Energy exceeded expectations in a more competitive market marked by lower prices, strengthening its results through a solid commercial structure, key account relationships and a focused approach to smaller bunkering hubs,” the company said.
 “Commercial development was supported by further expansion towards Asian customers, including the opening of a dedicated Japan desk, while the unit prepared the basis for a future local presence.”

The company added that the transition towards a multi-fuel offering continued to move from strategy to operations. 

In Singapore, the unit completed its first B100 biofuel bunker delivery through Marta Cosulich, demonstrating its ability to provide lower-carbon alternatives using its future-ready fleet. 

The Group also entered into a strategic cooperation with a “long-established shipping player” to explore opportunities in methanol, LNG and ammonia bunkering.

The company added that fleet development remained central. 

“Construction progressed on the new series of methanol-ready IMO II chemical bunker tankers, while Maya Cosulich was delivered in December,” it said.

“Designed for safe and efficient alternative fuel delivery, she represents another tangible step in expanding the unit’s physical capabilities for the evolving needs of maritime customers.”

Related: Fratelli Cosulich marine energy unit records EUR 5.6 million profit in 2024

 

Photo credit: Fratelli Cosulich
Published: 12 August, 2026

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Financial Result

World Kinect marine fuels segment posts highest-ever quarterly gross profit in Q2 2026

Sharp rise was primarily driven by higher profit contribution from the firm’s core resale business and certain physical locations, which benefited from increased bunker fuel prices and elevated market volatility.

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World Kinect marine fuels segment posts highest-ever quarterly gross profit in Q2 2026

New York-listed global energy management company World Kinect Corporation recently announced that it recorded a 57% on year increase in gross profit for the second quarter (Q2) of 2026.

The company posted gross profit of USD 365 million in Q2 2026, higher than gross profit of USD 232 million seen during Q2 2025.

Revenue for its combined aviation, land and marine segments in Q2 2026 was USD 13.6 billion, a 50.4% increase from revenue of USD 9.04 billion in Q2 2025.

Specifically, the marine segment generated gross profit of USD 79.7 million in Q2 2026, up by 195% on year from USD 27 million in Q2 2026.

The company noted that this was the highest quarterly gross profit in the history of the segment. 

This was primarily driven by higher profit contribution from the company’s core resale business and certain physical locations, which benefited from increased bunker fuel prices and elevated market volatility.

In total, WKC sold 3.5 million metric tonnes (mt) of bunker fuel during Q2 2026, down by 10% from 3.9 million mt of marine fuels during the similar period of last year.

According to the earnings call transcript for Q2 2026, Mike Tejada, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, said marine volume was down 10% year-over-year, driven principally by lower demand tied to the Middle East conflict. 

“Despite the lower volume, marine gross profit increased almost three times the prior year level to $80 million, the highest quarterly gross profit in the history of the segment,” he said. 

“Both the core resale business and certain physical supply locations were meaningfully higher year-over-year, benefiting from elevated bunker fuel prices, increased volatility, and disciplined yield management. 

“The year-over-year comparison also benefited from a particularly low second quarter last year when the global tariff disruption weighed on trade flows and customer demand. Looking to the third quarter and considering our July activity to date, we expect marine gross profit to be up year-over-year, reflecting continued momentum in the business.”

Ira M. Birns, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Aviation and marine each delivered record quarterly gross profit, supported by favorable market conditions, including continued volatility associated with the conflict in the Middle East. 

“During periods of disruption, customers place an even greater premium on certainty of supply, operational execution, and trusted relationships. That is where our supplier relationships, local market knowledge, and global platform become especially valuable.”

 

Photo credit: World Kinect Corporation
Published: 28 July, 2026

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