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FOBAS: Decision pathways for biofuel bunker procurement

FOBAS released a flowchart to guide ship operators on steps to be considered when selecting biofuel bunkers due to growing interest in biofuels and ship operators seeking support in biofuel procurement.

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Lloyd’s Register Fuel Oil Bunkering Analysis and Advisory Service (FOBAS) on Tuesday (18 April) released a bulletin to inform ship operators it has released a simple flowchart to guide them on steps to be considered when selecting biofuel bunkers:

With the drive towards a decarbonised future gaining momentum, shipping has seen an increasing interest in renewable fuels, in particular biofuels such as FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters). Biofuels are increasingly being considered as a possible interim transitional solution, as a ‘can do now’ solution to reduce overall CO2 impact before other net zero-carbon fuels become widely available for maritime operations. They do not require much, if any, significant adjustments to the existing supply chain infrastructure and the machinery on board. Depending on the type of biofuel, they can be considered as a ‘drop-in’ fuel. 

With this increasing interest, ship operators are seeking support in the selection and decision process, which requires some key steps to be taken, especially at the procurement stage; in response, FOBAS has developed a simple flowchart (below in annex A) to guide ship operators in the steps needed to be considered for when selecting a marine biofuel and providing the areas that we can apply our experience on the subject in support.

The primary consideration from the buyer’s perspective is to establish if the biofuel blend on offer complies with the internationally recognised quality standards. Moreover, what information is available from fuel supplier regarding overall sustainability of the biofuel component present in the overall blend. 

In the absence of the aforementioned information, the procurement path is unlikely to be straightforward, requiring biofuel to go through a comprehensive assessment programme to ensure fuel is safe to use onboard.

We trust you will find this flowchart useful and as stated therein, LR FOBAS is there to support you to meet your greenhouse gas strategy and safe ship operations by ensuring we provide advisory support and a comprehensive fuel testing service.

FOBAS: Decision pathways for biofuel procurement

Note: The LR Guidance Notes on Biofuels mentioned in the flowchart can be found here

 

Photo credit: Louis Reed from Unsplash / FOBAS
Published: 19 April, 2023

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Newbuilding

Singapore: Pinnacle Marine’s first B100 fuelled utility boat starts 1,000-hour research trial

Newbuilding operated by Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd will capture data on bunker fuel emissions, marine fuel behaviour, and performance.

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The 50th vessel constructed by local boat builder Pinnacle Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd, namely President 100, is starting 1,000 hours of real-time research trials in collaboration with several parties from Wednesday (9 July) onwards, it says.

Powered by B100 biodiesel, the newbuilding operated by Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd will capture data on bunker fuel emissions, marine fuel behaviour, and performance.

It will be participating in trials with Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD), Weichai Singapore, China Classification Society, Pacific International Lines (PTE) Ltd, Abo Shoten, Ltd. / 株式会社安保商店 , Abo Singapore, Wilmar International, Gulf Marine, Amspec Testing & Services, and AYK Engineering and Consulting.

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The President 100, Pinnacle Marine’s first full biodiesel utility boat, was launched on Tuesday in the presence of over 100 guests.

“Our latest vessel, President 100, merges legacy and future. Named after our first aluminium boat (“President”) and inspired by B100 biodiesel, it leads the charge for our next 50 vessels — many of which will embrace green technology,” stated Pinnacle Marine in a LinkedIn post.

“The launch was amazing, with strong turnout from across the maritime sector — authorities, shipowners, operators, agencies, chandlers, researchers, offshore engineers, and petrochemical suppliers.”

It added: “We’re excited to see how it paves the way for wider adoption of B100 biodiesel — a cleaner, sustainable path for Singapore’s harbour craft sector.”

 

Photo credit: Pinnacle Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Published: 9 July 2025

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Newbuilding

BHP awards charter contracts for two ammonia dual-fuelled bulk carriers

BHP continues to work with the maritime industry to develop an ammonia bunkering plan for the two vessels when they are delivered from 2028.

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Global resources company BHP on Wednesday (2 July) signed contracts with COSCO Shipping Bulk Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of COSCO shipping Group (COSCO Shipping) for the charter of two ammonia dual-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carriers.

The new vessels to be built under this arrangement will be two of only a handful of vessels in the world capable of using ammonia as a bunker fuel.

The two vessels, expected to be delivered from 2028, will primarily transport iron ore from Western Australia to Northeast Asia.

When run on lower or low to zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ammonia, these vessels will be capable of reducing GHG emissions by at least 50% and up to 95% on a per voyage basis compared to a conventionally fuelled voyage.

The five-year time charter contracts are expected to contribute towards a reduction in the GHG emissions intensity of BHP chartered shipping.

BHP continues to work with the maritime industry to develop an ammonia bunkering plan – the process of fuelling ships with ammonia – for the two vessels when they are delivered from 2028.

Sourcing lower and low to zero GHG emissions ammonia is subject to an ongoing tender process.

 

Photo credit: BHP
Published: 9 July 2025

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Milestone

China: Chimbusco and BJEC enter green methanol cooperation agreement

Document was signed between Ding Lihai, deputy general manager of Chimbusco, and Li Jianjun, deputy general manager of BJEC.

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China Marine Bunker (PetroChina) Co.,Ltd. (Chimbusco) and POWERCHINA Beijing Engineering Corporation Limited (BJEC) on Thursday (3 July) formally entered into a green methanol strategic cooperation framework agreement.

The document was signed between Ding Lihai, deputy general manager of Chimbusco, and Li Jianjun, deputy general manager of BJEC.

BJEC, a subsidiary of China Power Engineering Group, is experienced in the survey, design, construction and technology research and development of large-scale renewable energy projects.

Moving forward, the two parties said they will respectively focus on their core advantages and work together to promote the production, supply, storage and refuelling of green methanol as an energy source to help support the low-carbon transformation of the shipping industry.

Ding Lihai said: “The shipping industry is one of the important sources of global carbon emissions. Promoting low-carbon fuel is the key to the transformation of the industry. As the main force in the supply of bunker fuel, Chimbusco has been committed to expanding its clean fuel supply capacity. The cooperation with BJEC will integrate the advantages of green energy development and fuel supply, accelerate the large-scale application of green methanol, and meet the needs of shipping companies for clean fuel. We look forward to providing effective solutions for the green transformation of the shipping industry through the joint efforts of both parties.”

Li Jianjun said: “Implementing the ‘dual carbon’ goal is an important responsibility of enterprises. BJEC has accumulated strong technical strength in the field of green energy. This cooperation with Chimbusco will focus on the entire industrial chain of green methanol, from raw materials, production to supply, to provide clean and sustainable fuel solutions for the shipping industry. The complementary advantages of both parties will promote the rapid development of the green methanol industry and inject strong impetus into the low-carbon transformation of the shipping industry.”

 

Photo credit: China Marine Bunker (PetroChina) Co.,Ltd.
Published: 8 July 2025

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