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Biofuel

IINO Kaiun Kaisha completes biofuel trial voyage on bulk carrier “YODOHIME”

B24-VLSFO was supplied at Zhoushan Port, China, on 18 January and was used during the voyage from Australia to Japan with the sea trials successfully completed on 15 February.

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IINO Kaiun Kaisha completes biofuel trial voyage on bulk carrier “Yodohime”

IINO Kaiun Kaisha and Electric Power Development on Monday (9 March) said that a biofuel trial voyage was conducted on the bulk carrier YODOHIME, which is equipped with a Rotor Sail.

This trial voyage using biofuel on a vessel equipped with wind-assisted propulsion technology marked the first such initiative by a domestic electric power company.

The biofuel was supplied at Zhoushan Port, China, on 18 January and was used during the voyage from Australia to Japan. The sea trials were successfully completed on 15 February. 

“Following the sea trials, the vessel arrived in Japan in late February and has completed its voyage,” the company said on its website. 

Biofuel is produced from biomass, which refers to organic resources derived from living organisms, such as waste cooking oil. The fuel used on this voyage was a blended fuel (B24) consisting of 24% biofuel mixed with very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO).

 

Photo credit: IINO Kaiun Kaisha
Published: 12 March, 2026

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Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 3.8% on year in July 2026

4.73 million mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in July, up from 4.92 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2025.

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Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 3.8% on year in July 2026

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port fell by 3.8% on year in July 2026, according to data from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

In total, 4.73 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,731,900 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in July, up from 4.92 million mt (4,918,000 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2025.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in July (against on year) recorded respectively 1.95 million mt (zero from 1.95 million mt), 2.33 million mt (-2.1% from 2.38 million mt), 1,600 mt (+100% from zero), 700 mt (-82% from 3,900 mt) and zero (from zero).

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 3.8% on year in July 2026

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in July, (against on year) recorded respectively 8,200 mt (-83.7% from 50,300 mt), 29,900 mt (-62.9% from 80,500 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero). B100 biofuel bunkers, introduced in February last year, recorded 1,400 mt (-46.2% from 2,600 mt). 

LNG and methanol sales were 58,700 mt (+41.4% from 41,500 mt) and zero (from zero) respectively. There were no recorded sales of ammonia for the month and so far since 2025.

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 17 August, 2026

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Alternative Fuels

China: SIPG Energy completes first simultaneous two-vessel, two-fuel green bunkering operation

SIPG Energy says the simultaneous LNG and bio-methanol bunkering operations demonstrate Shanghai Port’s expanding capability to supply multiple green marine fuels at anchorage.

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Shanghai port completes first simultaneous two-vessel, two-fuel green bunkering operation

SIPG Energy (Shanghai) Co Ltd (SIPG Energy) on Sunday (16 August) completed what it described as China’s first simultaneous two-vessel bunkering operation involving two different green marine fuels at anchorage, supplying LNG and bio-methanol to two vessels.

The company’s LNG bunkering vessel Hai Gang Wei Lai supplied LNG to PIL’s KOTA ELAN, while methanol bunkering vessel Hai Gang Zhi Yuan supplied domestically produced biomass-based methanol to CMA CGM’s dual-fuel container ship CMA CGM OSMIUM.

According to SIPG Energy, the two bunkering operations were carried out simultaneously and safely, highlighting Shanghai Port’s growing ability to provide diversified and large-scale green-fuel bunkering services at anchorage.

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The operation required enhanced coordination in safety management, resource allocation and emergency response. Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration, Shanghai Customs and Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection, along with other supporting organisations, provided regulatory guidance and operational support.

“The combined efforts of all parties significantly improved the efficiency of bunkering at anchorage,” the company said. 

The company said it will continue to expand its safe bunkering capabilities for bio-methanol, LNG and other green marine fuels, while broadening its fuel supply portfolio and service scenarios to support the shipping industry’s transition to lower-carbon marine fuels.

 

Photo credit: SIPG Energy
Published: 17 August, 2026

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Bunker Alerts

Low flashpoint found in Indonesia bunker fuels, alerts Maritec-Naias

Firm tested eight bunker samples representing LSMDO and B40 fuel grade from vessels that took fuel oil /bunkered in Indonesia ports, which indicated flashpoints as low as 39.5°C.

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RESIZED Shaah Shahidh on Unsplash

Bunker fuel testing and marine surveying business Maritec-Naias on Wednesday (12 August) issued an alert regarding bunker samples from vessels that took fuel oil/bunkered in Indonesia showing flashpoints as low as 39.5°C:

During the period of 21 July to 04 August 2026, Maritec-Naias tested eight bunker samples representing Low Sulfur Marine Distillate Oil (LSMDO) and B40 fuel grade from vessels that took fuel oil /bunkered in Indonesia ports, which indicated Flashpoints as low as 39.5°C.

All eight fuel samples tested were sourced from a single supplier.

Regulatory Implications:

Based on the results of the eight samples tested, the fuels do not comply with the minimum flashpoint requirement of 60 °C set by SOLAS and ISO 8217.

As per SOLAS requirements, the minimum flashpoint of any fuel carried in the tanks of a ship should be not less than 60 °C (with exception of fuel for lifeboats, which can be grade DMX with a flash point min of 43 °C).

ISO 4259 interpretation for tested flashpoint temperature is not taken into consideration here as the safety of onboard crew and vessel is of higher precedence.

Since 01 May 2024, it has been a MARPOL Annex VI requirement that the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) includes either the actual flashpoint of a fuel as supplied or a declaration that its flashpoint has been determined as being at or above 70°C.

From 1 January 2026, SOLAS amendments clarified that the flashpoint requirement applies to fuels, which were specifically intended to have a flashpoint not less than 60°C as required under SOLAS II‑2/2.1.1 These amendments now align with MARPOL by requiring flashpoint details to be recorded on the BDN. Additionally, prior to bunkering, suppliers must provide the ship’s representative with a signed declaration confirming that the fuel meets the SOLAS flashpoint standard.

MARITEC-NAIAS RECOMMENDATIONS

When ordering fuels from Indonesia it is advised to insist on getting the actual flash point values from the supplier. If your vessel has bunkered a low flashpoint fuel it is prudent to observe/implement the precautions below:

  • Flame screens on tank vents should be maintained in good condition and there should be no sources of ignition in the vicinity of the vents. This will assist in safe natural ventilation of volatile components in the fuel.
  • No Smoking, no naked flame and no hot work must be allowed at any areas near to tank air vents.
  • Send additional tank(s) samples upon arrival in port to check the fuel properties and flash point results especially if there has been co-mingling of fuels in bunker tanks
  • If the vessel is out at sea, it may be possible to obtain dispensation from your Flag State Administration up to the next arrival port.
  • Put the supplier on notice promptly and notify your P&I club.

 

Photo credit: Shaah Shahidh on Unsplash
Published: 13 August, 2026

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