Bunker trading and fuel management services firm Integr8 Fuels on Tuesday (10 September) announced that it has achieved ISO 9001:2015 accreditation for Quality Management Systems (QMS) across its global entities. 

The firm said the ISO 9001:2015 certification, recognised as the international standard for quality management, specifies requirements for a robust quality management system. 

“The ISO 9001:2015 accreditation affirms Integr8 Fuels’ position as a trusted partner in the bunker trading industry. As we continue to expand our global presence, this certification will play a crucial role in ensuring we uphold our high standards across all our operations,” the firm said in a statement. 

“This accreditation ensures that our company consistently provides products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements while demonstrating a continuous improvement process. Further information on the ISO 9001 standard can be found here.”

Integr8 Fuels’ entities in Dubai and Singapore have successfully renewed their ISO 9001 certifications. In addition to the renewals, we are delighted to announce that our newest entities in Taiwan and Australia have achieved ISO 9001 certification for the first time. 

The establishment of these new entities represents a strategic expansion of our global footprint, allowing us to be closer to our customers in these vital regions. This proximity enables us to provide more tailored and localised services, ensuring we meet the unique needs of our clients on the ground.

Integr8 Fuels’ Fuel Quality and Claims Manager, Chris Turner, said, “Achieving ISO 9001 certification across our key global entities reflects our commitment to excellence and our continuous efforts to enhance customer satisfaction. With our new entities in Taiwan and Australia now certified, we are well-positioned to deliver even greater value to our clients in these regions.”

 

Photo credit: Chris Pagan on Unsplash
Published: 12 September, 2024

CBL International Limited, the listing vehicle of Banle Group (Banle), a marine fuel logistic company in the Asia-Pacific region, on Wednesday (28 August) announced a significant milestone by expanding its global port coverage to over 60 ports across fourteen countries and regions in four continents.

The company now provides bunkering services in Belgium, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, Panama,  Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam, representing a 70% increase in port coverage since its Nasdaq listing in March 2023.

“The Group's footprint includes nine out of the top ten container ports globally by throughput volume in 2023, highlighting its dominance in key maritime hubs,” the company said in a statement. 

The Asia Pacific region, accounting for 70% of global container port throughput, remained a key focus for Banle, while the company continues to expand its presence in Europe and other regions.

The company said it is actively preparing to capitalise on the growing demand for greener marine fuels, driven by international regulations like the FuelEU Maritime initiative and the IMO's strategy for greenhouse gas reduction.

Banle has obtained the required ISCC EU and ISCC Plus certifications to comply with these regulations.

The company has achieved key milestones in biofuel bunkering services, including:

• July 14, 2023: Commencement of biofuel supply in Hong Kong.
• September 5, 2023: First export to China cargo supply.
• March 15, 2024: Introduction of biofuel supply in Guangzhou, China.
• April 13, 2024: Launch of biofuel supply in Shenzhen, China (Yantian).
• June 28, 2024: Inaugural biofuel supply in Port Klang, Malaysia.

According to BIMCO, the container shipping market has exceeded growth expectations, with forecasts predicting a 5 – 6% increase in container volumes for 2024 and a 3 to 4% increase for 2025. 

“Banle is well-positioned to capitalise on this growth, continuing to facilitate essential bunkering services that support the efficient and profitable operations of container liners globally,” the company added. 

“Since our Nasdaq listing, we have made remarkable strides in expanding our port coverage and enhancing our service offerings to meet the growing demands of our customers, the international shipping companies,” said Mr. Teck Lim Chia, Chairman & CEO of Banle Group. 

“Our expansion into Europe, with establishments in Ireland, underlines our commitment to developing our green marine fuels business, which is critical for our long-term sustainability goals.”

Related: Exclusive: Banle Group sets sights on expanding bunker supply network with successful IPO on Nasdaq
Related: Malaysia: Straits Energy associate CBL International to be listed on Nasdaq

 

Photo credit: Kyle Sudu on Unsplash
Published: 29 August, 2024

The Methanol Institute, provides an exclusive weekly commentary on developments related to the adoption of methanol as a bunker fuel, including significant related events recorded during the week, for the readers of bunkering publication Manifold Times:

The granting of consultative status at IMO to the Methanol Institute is a significant milestone for cleaner shipping, enabling MI to represent producers and stakeholders at the maritime industry’s primary law-making body. 

The maritime industry has continued to push forward with initiatives that support and embrace methanol as a sustainable marine fuel and make increasing volumes available to consumers.

Methanol marine fuel related developments for Week 34 of 2024:

Rising Demand for Methanol as a Marine Fuel in Trinidad

Date: August 21, 2024

Key Points:

Trinidad is experiencing a surge in methanol bunker sales as part of a shift towards cleaner marine fuels. Proman, a chemical producer, recently supplied methanol bunkers to the vessel Stena Prosperous and plans further supplies. This growth reflects methanol's increasing acceptance as a versatile and eco-friendly marine fuel option, aligning with global regulatory efforts for greenhouse gas reductions. The consistent quality of methanol, regardless of its feedstock, supports its growing use and potential in achieving net-zero emissions in the maritime industry.

Methanol Institute Gains Key Role at IMO for Advancing Low-Carbon Shipping Fuels

Date: August 23, 2024

Key Points:

The Methanol Institute has secured consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), enabling it to actively participate in discussions and influence regulations on low-carbon fuels. This status allows the organization to collaborate with member states, develop methanol bunkering standards, and promote the use of methanol as an alternative marine fuel. The move aligns with global efforts to transition towards greener shipping practices and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Sinobunker and Towngas Partner for Green Methanol Bunker Fuel Research in China

Date: August 22, 2024

Key Points:

Sinobunker and Towngas have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to advance research on green methanol as a marine fuel. This collaboration focuses on technological advancements, raw material sourcing, and carbon certification to promote methanol bunkering and support the green transition in the shipping industry. The partnership aims to establish green methanol as a sustainable alternative to traditional marine fuels, aligning with global decarbonization efforts.

X-Press Feeders Expands Methanol-Fueled Shipping Operations with New Baltic Route

Date: August 23, 2024

Key Points:

X-Press Feeders has introduced a second methanol-fueled shipping route, the Green Baltic X-Press (GBX), operating between key ports like Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, Klaipeda, and Riga. This expansion supports sustainable shipping practices amidst the EU's emissions trading scheme and upcoming Fuel EU Maritime regulations. The addition of the methanol-fueled vessel Eco Umande highlights the company's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and aligns with global efforts for greener maritime transport.

 

Photo credit: Methanol Institute
Published: 29 August, 2024