Dutch inland barge “Birjo II” to fully operate on B100 bio bunker fuel
- Published
by Admin
Biofuel producer Sunoil recently said it successfully converted the barge Birjo II to run on 100% biodiesel (B100), in collaboration with BFT Tanker Logistics.
The company said the conversion of the barge to run on B100 marks an important step toward reducing emissions within inland shipping and demonstrates how existing barges can already contribute to a more sustainable transport sector.
The Birjo II, owned by DK Shipping, is a large barge used for transporting biofuels on Dutch inland waterways. It is primarily used for transporting biodiesel from Sunoil’s production facility in Kampen to its storage locations, while also carrying out direct deliveries to customers.
By transitioning from fossil fuel to B100, the barge can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 90% while continuing normal operations without replacing the engine itself.
“This makes Birjo II one of the first barges in the world capable of running fully on 100% biodiesel,” the company added.
The barge will be able to be fueled directly from Sunoil’s Kampen location, creating a fully integrated renewable fuel chain from production to transport and end use.
“What makes this project especially valuable for Sunoil is that Birjo II now operates on our own biodiesel while transporting renewable fuels between our locations and customers,” said Jeroen Hovius, Chief Commercial Officer at Sunoil.
“Together with BFT, we are continuing a strong long-term collaboration focused on practical solutions that help make inland shipping more sustainable. At the same time, this project creates a platform for the conversion and rollout of multiple barges operating on B100 across Europe.”
Sunoil said the successful conversion of Birjo II demonstrates that existing inland shipping assets can already be adapted today to significantly reduce emissions.
“It highlights how practical renewable fuel solutions can support a more sustainable future for inland shipping without requiring full vessel replacement,” it added.
Photo credit: Sunoil
Published: 3 June, 2026
