India: DGS issues biofuel bunkering guidelines, outlining requirements for suppliers

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) on Tuesday (22 July) issued a circular outlining new guidelines for biofuel bunkering, covering drop-in types such as FAME, FAEE, SVO, HVO, Bio-FT-diesel (bioFischer-Tropsch diesel), and approved blends up to B30.

The guidelines are applicable to various modes of bunkering, including ship-to-ship, tank truck-to-ship, and shore-to-ship (including pipeline and terminal-based) bunkering activities.

“This proposed circular aims to bridge these gaps by establishing a clear regulatory framework for permitting, operational protocols, safety management, documentation, environmental safeguards, training requirements, and enforcement mechanisms specific to biofuel bunkering.” DGS said. 

To conduct biofuel bunkering operations, bunker suppliers must hold valid approval and certification as a registered biofuel bunker supplier issued by the DGS. The certification shall explicitly specify the approved modes of delivery and the designated areas of operation.

Suppliers have to comply with technical, safety, and environmental standards as prescribed under applicable Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) or ISO norms, relevant guidelines and the circular. 

Bunker suppliers looking to supply biofuels must be approved specifically as biofuel bunker providers by the DGS, India’s maritime regulator. Their certifications will specify their permitted delivery methods and areas of operation.

They must obtain all necessary clearances from the concerned port authority, terminal operator or other competent bodies, prior to commencing bunkering activities.

Suppliers have to comply with relevant Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) or ISO norms for the safe handling, storage and transfer of biofuels. They must also obtain necessary clearances from port and terminal authorities and follow all applicable safety and emergency protocols.

They must also maintain and provide proper documentation, such as providing a proper bunker delivery notes (BDN), International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) certificate and Certificate of Quality (COQ). 

“This is especially important when dealing with blends, as the actual blend ratio bunkered as fuel should be transparent to all parties. Bunker supplier to make them available for audit or inspection by the DGS or port authority upon request,” DGS added.

Manifold Times previously reported DGS inviting comments from stakeholders on the draft circular on biofuel bunkering Guidelines.

Related: India: DGS seeking for comments for proposed national biofuel bunkering guidelines

Photo credit: Naveed Ahmed on Unsplash
Published: 30 July, 2025