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Alternative Fuels

IBIA puts spotlight on alternative bunker fuels during IMO’s GHG negotiations

GHG emission reductions must be on a Well-to-Wake basis to be truly sustainable; production of low-GHG fuels should not cause overall lifecycle emissions to increase, says IBIA.
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The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Tuesday (4 July) released an article on IBIA sharing perspectives of alternative bunker fuel producers to the IMO during the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 15):

IBIA brought the perspectives of alternative fuel producers to the IMO during the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 15), the week-long meeting that has set the scene for crucial negotiations to finalise the IMO’s revised GHG Strategy during MEPC 80.

We held a presentation to elaborate on points made in ISWG-GHG 15/3/5 – a paper we developed in cooperation with the Ammonia Energy Association (AEA), the Methanol Institute (MI) and the European Biodiesel Board (EBB).

IBIA’s Director and IMO Representative, Unni Einemo, set the scene with the following key messages:

  • IBIA members are increasingly involved in the supply of alternative fuels, or are preparing to do so
  • IMO’s GHG emission reduction targets must be supported by regulations to guarantee steady growth in the uptake of low and zero emission fuels and technologies, otherwise progress will be too slow
  • The supply side needs a clear demand signal to make the necessary investments in the production and distribution of low and zero emission fuels and technologies
  • GHG emission reductions must be on a Well-to-Wake basis to be truly sustainable; production of low-GHG fuels should not cause overall lifecycle emissions to increase
  • Default Well-to-Tank emission values can form a baseline, but should be sufficiently conservative to encourage producers to demonstrate better performance through relevant certification and verification schemes
  • The IMO’s LCA framework should enable fuel producers to make use of relevant and credible GHG intensity certification schemes

During our presentation, Conor Fürstenberg Stott showed the potential for producing low-carbon ammonia and the work AEA is doing on developing a certification scheme for ammonia to account for the GHG emissions associated with production. Matthías Ólafsson (MI) shared forecasts for the growth in bio-methanol and e-methanol production, highlighting also the growth in newbuilds that are ready to use methanol as fuel. Cailean Macleod (EBB) highlighted facts regarding both the prospects and challenges for using sustainable biofuels in the maritime sector.  To round up the session, Ed Glossop, Head of Sustainable Operations at Bunker Holding Group shared observations on the energy transition as seen from a world-leading marine fuel re-seller.

It was a great example of IBIA bringing industry stakeholders with shared interests together to bring a strong message to the IMO about the policy tools we need to get the transition to sustainable marine energy well and truly underway.

You can read our submission here: ISWG-GHG 15/3/5

You can see the presentation here: CLICK HERE

Related: IMO summary on Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships

 

Photo credit: IBIA
Published: 5 July, 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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July 9, 2025

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President MT

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.

President MT 02

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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July 9, 2025

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BHP ammonia DF charters

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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July 8, 2025

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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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