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Clean Arctic Alliance responds to Russian opt-out from heavy fuel oil ban for ships

Group also raised concerns on Canada saying it’s urgent the country puts in place a plan to rid the Canadian Arctic of the ‘world’s most hazardous and polluting marine fuel’.
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Arctic protection advocate group Clean Arctic Alliance, made up of 20 not-for-profit organisations, on Thursday (17 November) raised concerns on the response of Canada and Russia for not implementing the 2024 prohibition on heavy fuel oil (HFO). 

Responding to media reports that Canada and Russia have written letters to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), stating their reasons for not implementing the 2024 prohibition on HFO, Dr Sian Prior, lead advisor to the Clean Arctic Alliance said: “​​IMO Member States must now strengthen the Arctic heavy fuel oil fuel prohibition regulation by removing the option for Arctic coastal states to issue waivers to the requirements, particularly since it appears that Russia – who pushed for the ability to issue waivers – is delaying approval of the Arctic HFO prohibition amendments which brought the ban into effect.”

According to media reports, Canada has written to the IMO stating that although “it fully support and intends to comply with the [MARPOL Annexe 1, June 15 2021] amendments”, it cannot, as “it may not have finalised its treaty adoption process prior to the entry of the amendments”. 

The letter goes on to say that “Canada has begun its domestic procedures and will inform the [IMO] of their completion in a subsequent note”.

Russia has also informed the IMO last month that “the amendments as adopted by the Resolution MEPC.329(76) will not enter into force for the Russian Federation on the 1st of November, 2022”, however unlike Canada, there is no indication of when Russia’s amendments will be introduced.

“Canada must rapidly develop its Arctic HFO ban implementation plan,” said Sam Davin, Senior Specialist, Marine Conservation & Shipping at WWF Canada. 

“With Arctic vessel traffic continuing to increase, it’s urgent Canada puts in place a plan to rid the Canadian Arctic of the world’s most hazardous and polluting marine fuel. The Clean Arctic Alliance calls on Canada to exclude loopholes such as so-called ‘waivers’ which would exempt ships from the ban, and set up a federal marine fuel transition fund to ensure any negative economic consequences from the ban’s implementation do not adversely impact communities in the north.”

“Canada should also require all ships operating in domestic waters to use cleaner alternatives to heavy fuels, such as distillates, as Norway has done in the waters of the Svalbard archipelago.”

“It is over a decade since the Arctic Maritime Shipping Assessment report identified accidental or illegal discharges of oil as the most significant threat from ships to the Arctic, and since a ban on heavy fuels was introduced for the Antarctic. Next month there is an opportunity for urgent discussions at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ensure that all nations flagging ships which use the Arctic don’t circumvent the new Arctic HFO ban regulation, and to strengthen its application and effectiveness in protecting the Arctic and its people, wildlife and ecosystems,” concluded Prior.

Background

Regulation 43A of MARPOL Annex I took effect on 1 November 2022, and prohibits the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil as fuel by ships operating in Arctic waters from 1 July 2024. However, exemptions are allowed for ships with protected fuel tanks and temporary waivers can be issued by Arctic coastal states for ships flying their flags while operating in waters subject to their sovereignty or jurisdiction until 1 July 2029.

Members of the Clean Arctic Alliance have submitted a proposal to the 79th Session of the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (December 12th-16th December 2022) calling on IMO Member States to amend regulation 43A of MARPOL Annex I to increase its effectiveness at protecting the Arctic from the risks of a HFO spill (MEPC 79/14/1).

 

Photo credit: Clean Arctic Alliance
Published: 21 November, 2022

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Milestone

China: Xiamen port records 16.37% jump in bunker sales volume in 1H2025

Total of 416 international ships, an increase of 6.12% on year, received marine fuel in bunkering operations during the same period.
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Xiamen port bunkering

The Port of Xiamen recorded bonded bunkering volume of 274,500 metric tonnes (mt) in the first half (1H) of 2025, representing a jump of 16.37% on year, reported Xiamen Daily on Thursday (10 July).

A total 416 international ships, an increase of 6.12% on year, received marine fuel in bunkering operations during the same period.

The report noted Xiamen Port to be increasing bunker players while optimising its bonded marine fuel supply chain system in recent years.

Before February 2025, there were only two bonded bunker fuel suppliers with national licenses operating at Xiamen Port.

The port welcomed Xiamen Kunlun Fuel Oil [厦门昆仑燃料油] as a new marine fuel supplier on 1 February; the company was awarded the first Xiamen local license by both Xiamen Customs and the local government.

Followingly, Xiamen Kunlun Fuel Oil performed its first bonded bunkering operation at Xiamen port on 26 February.

Xiamen Port earlier launched a pilot programme called “two warehouse functions superposition” which combines the functions of both bonded oil storage warehouse and export supervision warehouse into one unit.

Using just a single oil storage tank allows bunker fuel suppliers at Xiamen to save on renting tanks, reduce time spent on tank unloading, improve utilisation rates, and shorten bunker delivery times.

Related: PetroChina subsidiary wins first bonded bunkering licence in Xiamen

 

Photo credit: Xiamen Port Authority, China
Published: 11 July 2025

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Newbuilding

China: Steel cutting ceremony for methanol bunkering tanker “Lucia Cosulich” held

A steel cutting ceremony was held for the 7,999 DWT IMO Type 2 chemical bunker tanker at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard, China.
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Lucia Cosulich

Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy on Wednesday (9 July) announced the steel cutting ceremony of Lucia Cosulich, a 7,999 DWT IMO Type 2 chemical bunker tanker – the second vessel in a series of four – at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard, China.

“This milestone marks another bold step in our Marine Energy business unit’s commitment to clean fuel readiness and operational excellence,” said the company.

The vessel will be fully methanol-ready, capable of carrying, burning, and bunkering methanol safely and efficiently, with full regulatory compliance standards.

It will feature an integrated Nitrogen Generator System, ensuring safe and inert tank operations at all times. Equipped with advanced safety systems specifically engineered for low-flashpoint fuel handling, the vessel sets a new benchmark in future fuel readiness.

A complete methanol bunkering setup will come as standard, including the Quick Connect/Disconnect Couplings (QCDC), dedicated transfer lines and comprehensive monitoring and control systems to ensure efficient and secure fuel handling.

“Built on state-of-the-art architecture, she is designed not only to meet but to exceed the evolving demands of tomorrow’s energy supply chain,” noted the firm.

“Lucia Cosulich embodies our vision to lead the transition within the maritime fuel landscape.”

 

Photo credit: Fratelli Cosulich
Published: 11 July 2025

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Financial Result

Glander International Bunkering reports EBT of USD 22 million for FY2025

‘This fiscal year, we focused on staying close to our clients, while adapting to a fast-changing market,’ says CEO Carsten Ladekjær.

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Glander Result 2024 2025 MT

Global bunker trading and energy solutions provider Glander International Bunkering on Thursday (10 July) posted financial results for the year ended on April 30, 2025 – reflecting stable performance amid ongoing changes in global maritime and regulations.

The company reports a turnover of USD 3 billion and earnings before tax (EBT) of USD 22 million, including a non-recurring item.

“These results demonstrate consistent performance compared to the previous fiscal year, as the company continues to focus on conventional fuels, new fuels, risk management and extensive global reach,” CFO David Varghese comments.

Navigating change in maritime

Throughout the 2024-25 fiscal year, the bunker industry faced critical challenges including the escalation of the US-China trade conflict, ongoing Red Sea and Suez Canal security risks, and the first full-year impact of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) for maritime shipping.

Compliance with IMO CII measures and the uptake of new fuel products also influenced bunker demand patterns and pricing strategies.

“This fiscal year, we focused on staying close to our clients, while adapting to a fast-changing market,” says CEO Carsten Ladekjær. “In a time of uncertainty and transformation, we focused on staying agile, supporting customers with conventional fuels, and laying the groundwork for new fuel solutions.”

New fuels and other key achievements

Glander International Bunkering made significant progress in 2024-25: completing bioLNG deliveries, expanding biofuel supply, and launching a compliance calculator to help customers navigate FuelEU Maritime. Compared to the previous fiscal year, the company achieved a 71% increase in biofuel volume and 85% increase in LNG volume, along with the sale of nearly 100,000 EUAs.

Other achievements throughout the year include the renewal of its ISCC certifications, membership in the Smart Freight Centre, and Great Place to Work certification for the 7th consecutive year.

Looking ahead, Ladekjær says, “We will do what we have always done since 1961– adapt to new changes and be there for our clients.” He added that Glander International Bunkering is prepared for the next phase of change in global shipping, as decarbonisation, regulatory expansion and geopolitical developments continue to shape the bunker fuel market.

 

Photo credit: Glander International Bunkering
Published: 11 July 2025

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