Agri-business Olam Agri on Thursday (20 August) said it successfully completed Singapore’s first bio-bunkering operation with Vitol Bunkers, using Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) co-processed with Cashew Nutshell Liquid (CNSL), showcasing a waste-to-energy approach. 

MV Scion Mathilda was supplied with 246.5 metric tonnes (mt) of co-processed VLSFO at the Port of Singapore, comprising 212 mt of conventional VLSFO and 34.5 mt of co-processed CNSL VLSFO. The product was supplied by Vitol Bunkers and procured by Olam Agri’s ocean freight business.

The fuel was subsequently consumed during a voyage from Caofeidian (China) to Rotterdam (Netherlands), followed by a ballast leg from Rotterdam to Barcarena (Brazil). 

Total fuel consumption across the voyage comprised 1,354 mt of VLSFO, 101 mt of MGO and 34.1 mt of co-processed VLSFO. The vessel completed the voyage without any operational remarks, confirming the product’s performance in real-world conditions.

The operation marks a significant step forward in the search for practical, scalable alternatives to conventional marine fuels, and demonstrates that meaningful greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions can be achieved without any change to vessel operations.

Martin Fynbo, Head of Bunkers at Olam Agri’s ocean freight business, said: “The successful deployment of this product, achieving verified greenhouse gas mitigation alongside ensuring operational integrity, serves as a definitive proof of concept. This milestone provides validation to a traditionally risk-averse sector, demonstrating that a previously disregarded bio-product solution can both be operationally viable and sustainable.”

Sherman Yeo, Trading Manager, Vitol Bunkers, said: “This operation proves that co-processed VLSFO can be delivered and consumed at sea without any compromise to vessel performance or operational routine. The mass balance solution we have developed opens up a genuinely new avenue for GHG reduction in marine fuels.”

The co-processed VLSFO carries a GHG intensity of 2.02 gCO2eq/MJ, delivering savings of at least 120 MT CO2eq compared with conventional VLSFO on an equivalent basis. This outcome was achieved with no additional onboard handling or fuel treatment requirements.

Vitol’s co-processing and mass balancing methodology resolves a longstanding challenge in the use of CNSL as a marine biofuel. Direct blending of CNSL has historically been dismissed by the industry due to material compatibility and handling issues. By co-processing CNSL within the refinery stream, Vitol has opened a commercially viable pathway for CNSL to contribute to GHG reduction in shipping.

The co-processed VLSFO used in this operation conforms to RMG380 VLSFO grade and has the same chemical composition and quality as conventional fuel, eliminating the need for additional permissions or special clauses in charter party agreements.

“CNSL, derived as a by-product of cashew processing, represents an underutilised feedstock with genuine potential as a scalable marine biofuel component,” Olam Agri added. 

“This trial demonstrates that with the right processing approach, it can be integrated into existing supply chains without disruption.”

Photo credit: Vitol
Published: 21 August, 2026

Azane Fuel Solutions (Azane) on Thursday (20 August) said it has signed a framework agreement with Equinor Energy AS for the supply of ammonia and the execution of truck-to-ship ammonia bunkering operations for ammonia-fuelled vessels. 

The first deliveries will commence during the second half of 2026. The agreement establishes a framework for future ammonia fuel deliveries and bunkering operations supporting the maritime industry’s transition towards lower-emission solutions. 

“This agreement marks an important milestone for Azane and demonstrates growing confidence in ammonia as a marine fuel,” said Steinar Kostøl, CEO of Azane. 

“Truck-to-ship bunkering offers a practical and flexible solution for the early adoption of ammonia-fuelled vessels while the broader ammonia fuel ecosystem continues to develop.”  

The agreement covers truck-to-ship ammonia bunkering operations, where ammonia is transported to the quayside and transferred directly to the receiving vessel. 

The contract supports Azane’s strategy of enabling near-term deployment of ammonia as a marine fuel while continuing to develop dedicated ammonia infrastructure for future market growth. 

Photo credit: Azane Fuel Solutions
Published: 21 August, 2026

UK-based firm Core Power on Wednesday (19 August) said it has signed a Memorandum of Collaboration with the Port of Corpus Christi Authority (PCCA), establishing a framework for a site-specific maritime nuclear readiness study at the Port of Corpus Christi. 

The study will examine how a major US energy and trade gateway could prepare for two additional distinct future roles: as a potential location for a floating nuclear power plant (FNPP) supplying firm power for port and regional demand, and as a gateway for future calls by nuclear-powered commercial ships.

For the Port, the work is intended to provide a practical evidence base for considering how future ship-based power and shipping technologies could support regional growth, energy resilience and long-term competitiveness. 

For Core Power, the study will build out the practical requirements of its two product pathways in a real port operating environment. FNPPs require suitable sites, grid connections, customers, regulatory and environmental pathways, operating arrangements and long-term service support. Nuclear-powered commercial ships require safe and predictable pathways for transit, berthing and routine port operations. 

“The Port of Corpus Christi provides an opportunity to assess both pathways separately while understanding the shared infrastructure, safety, regulatory and commercial questions around them,” the company said. 

Separately, PCCA Commissioners have agreed to execute a Memorandum of Cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration to examine the technical, regulatory and operational requirements for U.S. seaports to support the potential deployment of floating nuclear power plants and provide safe harbour for civil nuclear-powered vessels. 

The agreement recognises PCCA’s work with Core Power to assess the feasibility of both pathways. 

“Taken together, these separate but complementary agreements represent an important step toward translating maritime nuclear technology into practical readiness requirements for US ports,” Core Power said. 

Jeff Pollack, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer of the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, said: “Port Corpus Christi, as the preeminent energy gateway in North America, is committed to remaining a leader in the global energy marketplace, even as that marketplace expands and evolves. 

“This collaboration will help us understand what would be required technically, environmentally, operationally and commercially for floating nuclear power plants and future calls by nuclear-powered commercial ships to be considered in the real-world context of the Port. It is about gathering evidence and keeping our region competitive for future investment, industry, and high-value jobs.”

Related: Port of Corpus Christi ink agreement to explore nuclear maritime technologies

Photo credit: Core Power
Published: 21 August, 2026