Alternative Fuels

IBIA Future Fuels WG to share alternative fuels findings with members, when ready

Comprehensive assessment of bunker fuel options and alternatives for shipping’s decarbonisation is the first major project of the new Working Group.

Published

3 years ago

March 9, 2022

Admin

The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Friday (4 March) issued a statement regarding developments of its newly-formed Future Fuels Working Group:

Dear fellow IBIA members,

In the last few months, IBIA’s newly-formed Future Fuels Working Group has worked hard and in unison to present its first major project, a comprehensive assessment of the main and mostly discussed -and also debated- alternative fuels, on the road to decarbonisation.

The Working Group’s members have voluntarily assigned themselves to one or more sub-groups, each of which has assumed the task of populating and replying to a detailed questionnaire, which has been compiled through a massive collaboration of all WG members. The questionnaire purports to cover as many angles as practically possible, indicatively: availability and production, regulatory framework, environmental impact, green production levels, bunker infrastructure, pricing, technological developments, operational considerations, and a vast array of further considerations.

We have considered the following fuel options and alternatives:

Efficiency and emission reduction methods(i.e. without using alternative fuels, focusing on technology and various technical and operational energy efficiency measures)
Fossil fuels (same as above, focusing on Carbon Capture Systems)
LNG
Methanol
Hydrogen
Ammonia
Biofuels

The volume of information and sources considered by the WG has been immense, and we have strived to present an impartial, in-depth and holistic current -and projected- picture for each of the alternatives under examination.

Upon the finalisation of our assessment of each category, we will be sharing it with all IBIA members. Naturally, and as always, IBIA and the Future Fuels Working Group in particular, shall remain available for clarifications and replies to any questions posed by our members.

We are excited that IBIA is now acquiring and expressing a voice on one of the most crucial issues of our era. This is -and shall remain for all future projects of the WG- a dynamic process, with updates being regularly shared with our members.

As IBIA represents the world bunker industry and all related shipping stakeholders, its Future Fuels Working Group shall always strive to remain abreast of energy developments and make sure that IBIA members are kept well-informed and shall participate in all relevant discussions.

Constantinos Capetanakis

Chairman of the IBIA Future Fuels Working Group

IBIA Board Member

Photo credit: International Bunker Industry Association
Published: 9 March, 2022

Alternative Fuels

Hong Kong-based Sun Ferry takes delivery of diesel-electric ferry “Xin Ming Zhu 30”

New vessel, designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Guangzhou-based shipbuilder AFAI Southern Shipyard, will serve inter-island commuter and tourism operations across Hong Kong.

Published

14 hours ago

March 20, 2025

Admin

Hong Kong-based Sun Ferry takes delivery of diesel-electric ferry “Xin Ming Zhu 30”

Global digital shipbuilder Incat Crowther on Wednesday (19 March) said Hong Kong-based ferry operator Sun Ferry has taken delivery of Xin Ming Zhu 30, a new, 35-metre diesel-electric ferry.

The new vessel, designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Guangzhou-based shipbuilder AFAI Southern Shipyard, is the third vessel to join a fleet of seven new vessels designed by Incat Crowther for the mass transit operator.

The vessel will serve inter-island commuter and tourism operations across Hong Kong, connecting Peng Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung Chau.

The 300-seat passenger ferry boasts Veth azimuth thrusters that provide high manoeuvrability at operating speeds of 14 knots. The adoption of this technology makes the vessel suitable for berthing at piers on inter island routes.

The vessel is also fitted with 72 solar panels providing 7.5 kilowatts of on-board power.

Sam Mackay, Technical Manager at Incat Crowther, said: "This vessel reflects Sun Ferry’s commitment to future focused design solutions that not only meet operational needs, but that exceed customer expectations.”

“With diesel-electric propulsion, solar technology, and passenger-centric design, it sets a new benchmark for sustainable and efficient ferry services in Hong Kong.”

The delivery of the 35-metre hybrid vessel follows the delivery of two 45-metre conventional diesel-powered vessels to Sun Ferry. The final three vessels, all 45-metre vessels, will be delivered by the end of 2025. All vessels in the fleet have been designed by Incat Crowther and built by AFAI Southern Shipyard.

Photo credit: Incat Crowther
Published: 20 March, 2025

Biofuel

PRIO delivers Eco Bunkers B30 to two cargo ships at ports in Portugal

Company supplied the bio bunker fuel, a product containing 30% renewable raw materials, to “BBC Lisbon” at Port of Aveiro on 3 March and to “ANNA” at Port of Leixões on 18 March.

Published

14 hours ago

March 20, 2025

Admin

PRIO delivers Eco Bunkers B30 to two cargo ships at ports in Portugal

Biofuels producer PRIO on Wednesday (19 March) said it carried out Eco Bunkers B30 fuel deliveries to shipping company Briese Chartering in collaboration with its partner UFS Unites Fuel Services this month.

On 3 March, PRIO supplied the biofuel to cargo vessel BBC Lisbon at the Port of Aveiro and to another cargo vessel, ANNA, at the Port of Leixões on 18 March.

“With these two Eco Bunkers B30 deliveries, a product containing 30% renewable raw materials, PRIO enabled Briese Chartering to reduce around 60 tons of CO2 in just two port calls in Portugal,” it said in a social media post.

“Produced at PRIO’s Aveiro plant, biodiesel has the potential to reduce GHG emissions by approximately 88% compared to fossil fuels.”

“PRIO has been demonstrating its commitment to decarbonising the maritime sector by supplying more sustainable products, ranging from 1% to 100% renewable content.”

Manifold Times previously reported PRIO launching its ECO Bunkers B30 biofuel in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and World Fuel Services.

PRIO previously launched ECO Bunkers B15, a green fuel for ships with 15% biodiesel and the company then launched a 20% biofuel blend, ECO Bunkers E20.

Photo credit: PRIO
Published: 20 March, 2025

LNG Bunkering

Gasum completes SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation of PCTC “Höegh Sunlight”

Gasum’s LNG bunker vessel “Coralius” made its 920th LNG delivery to “Höegh Sunlight”, a brand new PCTC, with a capacity of 9100 CEU, at the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden on 10 March.

Published

14 hours ago

March 20, 2025

Admin

Gasum completes SIMOPS LNG bunkering operation of PCTC “Höegh Sunlight”

Energy company Gasum on Wednesday (19 March) announced its delivery of liquified natural gas (LNG) to a car carrier during a simultaneous bunkering and cargo operation (SIMOPS) at the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden.

The company said it was the first ever LNG delivery to Höegh Sunlight at the Logent Car Terminal on 10 March 2025.

Gasum’s LNG bunker vessel Coralius made its 920th LNG delivery to Höegh Sunlight, a brand new Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC), with a capacity of 9100 CEU, during a ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering operation.

The company did not specify the amount of LNG supplied to the vessel.

The delivery was a collaboration between Gasum, Glander International, Höegh Autoliners, the Port of Gothenburg and Sirius Agency.

Photo credit: Gasum
Published: 20 March, 2025