Biofuel

Interview: Monjasa gearing up for an increase in biofuel bunkering in Singapore

Morten Østergaard Jacobsen, Managing Director Asia, elaborates on Monjasa’s next steps in alternative marine fuels following its inaugural biofuel bunkering in Singapore, amongst others.

Published

8 months ago

August 28, 2024

Admin

In an exclusive interview with Singapore-based bunkering publication Manifold Times, Morten Østergaard Jacobsen, Managing Director Asia of international bunkering firm Monjasa, recently highlighted the company’s next steps in biofuel and other alternative marine fuels following its inaugural biofuel bunkering in Singapore as well as the importance of International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) EU certificate and Proof and Sustainability:

MT: Could you share with us your recent biofuel delivery milestone in Singapore?

Monjasa supplied 2,000 metric tonnes (mt) of B24 to container vessel YM Wonderland on 24 July 2024. The supply was organised and supplied by Monjasa using barge MT Radiance, which is one of three barges controlled by Monjasa in the Port of Singapore.

MT: Following Monjasa's inaugural biofuel bunkering operation at Singapore port on 24 July, what long term plans does the firm have to expand its biofuels bunkering foothold at the world's largest bunkering port?

We are pleased to have successfully sourced, shipped and delivered biofuels in the Port of Singapore for the first time. An important milestone for our seafarers, trading and operations departments towards enabling the low-carbon fuel mix.

Looking at the overall biofuels landscape in Singapore, we expect to see more and more inquiries, not least because of our global operations and 15 offices which enables us to organise biofuels supplies on a string of supply locations across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

MT: Why is it necessary for bunkering firms to obtain ISCC EU certification and Proof and Sustainability (PoS) documents for biofuel bunkering operations worldwide?

We believe that there are several advantages of being ISCC-certified and able to issue a PoS along with a biofuel delivery. The PoS is for shipowners the first step towards compliance with maritime decarbonisation legislation, as it provides a credible and verified account of the emission savings associated with the biofuel product.

MT: Do scenarios exist where biofuel bunkering operations can be conducted without the above credentials? And what are the risks shipowners take when they lift a biofuel bunker stem without these credentials?

It is not a legal requirement to be ISCC-certified or issue a PoS with a biofuel delivery. At the end of the day, it is the responsibility of the shipowner to document savings, which is not possible without a PoS. The risks linked to delivering a non-certified product is that the product does not live up to expected standards.

In the biofuels feedstock market, products can easily be claimed to be sustainable, but it is the PoS that ensures the product is in fact sustainably produced, sourced, etc. This is why the ISCC system brings value by verifying the supply chain.

MT: Aside from PoS documents, what other checks does Monjasa conduct to ensure biofuels supplied comes from legitimate sustainable sources?

In addition to the ISCC, Monjasa conducts internal due diligence with respect to our ISO standards, including HSEQ and compliance evaluations. We also conduct prior checks of suppliers on certification alignment with the ISCC database.

MT: Even though palm-based biofuel is not recognised by the EU as a sustainable energy source, the product may still be useful as a bunker fuel for ships travelling outside EU. Will Monjasa consider including palm-based biofuel within its product portfolio for clients plying non-EU routes? And what are the commercial benefits in doing so?

In general, Monjasa will deliver the product requested by a customer, but if the feedstock is not RED-compliant, we are not able to issue a PoS along with the delivery.

MT: Since biofuels are produced from a variety of sources, how does Monjasa balance interests between clients choosing biofuels produced from particular feedstocks given limited avails while ensuring quality in these cases?

Monjasa seeks to establish supply chains, where there is availability and demand, for it to make commercial sense. Yes, there is limited availability of certain types of biofuels, which means we sometimes have to source from multiple suppliers to establish one delivery and meet customer requirements.

ISCC does not ensure quality. This is ensured through other standards, such as the ISO 8217. Currently, there is no universal reference to an industry standard, but we are hopeful that the recently issued ISO8217:2024 can become a commonly referred to standard for biofuels within the industry. Until then, we continue to observe market developments on biofuel quality standards as well as conduct tests on the products delivered in alignment with the standard preferred by the customer.

MT: Besides biofuels, does Monjasa have any plans to introduce other alternative fuels to the Singapore bunker market?

Our ambition is to remain a relevant trading partner and offer the full fuel mix requested by the shipping industry. Right now, our focus is on educating our colleagues on the new fuel types to ensure that Monjasa is ready to supply these products once a more liquid low-carbon fuels market emerges. But it’s not up to the bunkering industry alone.

We need to work together, shipping companies, suppliers and authorities to establish a viable way forward. Right now, I believe that we are all awaiting further regulation to push demand up and ensure the green shipping transition in due time.

MT: With SIBCON 2024 around the corner, are there any exciting announcements/plans that Monjasa will be sharing on its operations in Singapore and Asia?

We have recently added a third barge, the newbuild MT Zale, to our supply operations in the Port of Singapore, which already consists of MT Zmaga and MT Radiance. As a direct result, we are servicing more customers than ever and seeing a substantial increase in volumes compared to previous years.

Looking at the wider Asian region, we are ready to size new opportunities when the timing is right. Just like we did when expanding to Ho Chi Minh City and Shanghai during the recent years.

Photo credit: Monjasa
Published: 28 August, 2024

Up Next

ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook (28 August 2024)

Don't Miss

Singapore: MPA to hold SIBCON bunkering event from 8 to 10 Oct

Biofuel

Ulsan Port aims to become leading bio bunker fuel supply hub in Northeast Asia

UPA’s Director Byeong-gu Kim unveiled comprehensive plans to promote marine biofuel adoption centered on Ulsan Port at 2nd Forum on the Commercialization of Biofuels for Maritime Vessels in Seoul.

Published

12 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Admin

Ulsan Port aims to become leading bio bunker fuel supply hub in Northeast Asia

Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) on Thursday (24 April) said it is looking to position the port as a leading biofuel supply hub in Northeast Asia.

UPA, Korea’s port operator for energy and petrochemical logistics, emphasised its strategic role in building a stable marine biofuel supply chain aligned with tightening global regulations.

UPA's Director Byeong-gu Kim unveiled comprehensive plans to promote marine biofuel adoption centered on Ulsan Port at a recent biofuel forum in Seoul, highlighting the port's strategic advantages including its world-class petrochemical infrastructure, extensive storage facilities, and specialised handling expertise.

The presentation showcased UPA's commitment to developing the necessary facilities and operational frameworks to become Northeast Asia's “premier biofuel bunkering destination”.

“As IMO environmental regulations intensify, Ulsan Port Authority is strategically positioned to lead the transition to alternative fuels,” stated UPA President Jae-young Byeon.

“Marine biofuels represent a practical alternative that can be implemented immediately without requiring new vessel construction or retrofitting. UPA will continue to strengthen port-centered biofuel supply networks and create a competitive eco-friendly marine fuel market through our advanced infrastructure and technical expertise.”

Chief Executive of the Korea Maritime Cooperation Center (KMC), Hong Sun-bae, emphasised that “the strategic partnership between the shipping industry and the logistics sector has become more important than ever in this era of climate-friendly economic transition.”

The 2nd Forum on the Commercialisation of Biofuels for Maritime Vessels, hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and co-organized by UPA and KMC, drew around 300 key stakeholders from across the shipping, energy, terminal, shipbuilding, and finance sectors.

The event underscored the increasing urgency of eco-friendly fuel adoption, following the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s approval of mid-term greenhouse gas reduction measures.

Expert sessions featured actionable insights and market intelligence from key players in the maritime and energy sectors:

Key outcomes from the 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC83) by Team Leader Dae-jung Hwang of KMC
Biofuel utilisation and demonstration cases by Manager Dae-sik Seo of HMM
Current usage status and challenges of B100 biofuel by Manager Min-guk Jang of G-Marine Service
Market outlook for marine biofuels by Chief Surveyor Jae-hoon Lim of DNV
Case studies of biofuel applications for marine engines by Team Leader Jae-yup Seo of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering
Global marine biofuel market trends and bunkering developments by Senior Manager Yul-kyung Hong of Hyundai Fuels

Photo credit: Ulsan Port Authority
Published: 25 April, 2025

Biofuel

MASH Makes powers first vessel trial with bio bunker fuel from carbon-negative process

NORDEN and MASH Make completed the world’s first commercial vessel trial using B20 blend produced from a carbon-negative process; vessel operated on a roundtrip voyage from Singapore to Brazil.

Published

12 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Admin

MASH Makes powers first vessel trial with bio bunker fuel from carbon-negative process

Global shipping company DS NORDEN and renewable energy company MASH Makes on Thursday (21 April) successfully completed the world’s first commercial vessel trial using biofuel produced from a carbon-negative process.

The vessel operated on a roundtrip voyage from Singapore to Brazil, successfully using 65 tonnes of fuel blend with 20% MASH Makes biofuel in its auxiliary engine.

“This trial proves that MASH Makes’ biofuel is suitable for marine engines, and it marks an important milestone towards bringing the fuel into our operation,” said Henrik Røjel, Head of Decarbonisation and Climate Solutions, NORDEN.

The trial demonstrated that MASH Makes’ biofuel is technically a drop-in fuel, compatible with existing systems and capable of reducing reliance on fossil fuels in specific marine applications.

The results point to a practical path for shipowners to cut emissions without waiting for new infrastructure.

If the new agreement by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to cap and price excess emissions globally is ratified in October 2025, MASH Makes offers a solution that enables shipowners to start significantly reducing their emissions well before the agreement takes effect in 2028.

“Our biofuel meets the technical requirements of the shipping industry and can be used in unmodified engines. It’s a seamless, scalable alternative ready to cut emissions today,” said MASH Makes CEO Jakob Bejbro Andersen.

Unlike emerging fuels like green hydrogen or ammonia, which require new infrastructure, MASH Makes biofuel integrates directly with existing systems.

NORDEN acquired a minority stake in MASH Makes in 2023 to strengthen its future supply of renewable fuels. Since the acquisition, the two companies have worked closely together to validate the biofuel for marine usage.

Photo credit: DS NORDEN
Published: 25 April, 2025

Biofuel

Eckerö Line adopts Neste bio bunker fuel to decarbonise Baltic Sea ferry operations

Eckerö Line operates ferry services between Helsinki and Tallinn and is the first company in Finland to adopt Neste MY Renewable Diesel™ for commercial maritime transport.

Published

12 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Admin

Eckerö Line adopts Neste bio bunker fuel to decarbonise Baltic Sea ferry operations

Nesti on Thursday (24 April) said it is continuing its collaboration with Finnish company Eckerö Line, which operates ferry services between Helsinki and Tallinn, to reduce maritime emissions.

Eckerö Line provides freight and passenger services on the Baltic Sea and is the first company in Finland to adopt Neste MY Renewable Diesel™ for commercial maritime transport.

By replacing a part of the fuel it uses for its operations with Neste MY Renewable Diesel, Eckerö Line responds to the 2% emissions reduction requirement of the FuelEU Maritime regulation, which came into effect at the beginning of 2025, and encourages the use of lower-emission fuels in maritime transport.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel, made from 100% waste and residue raw materials for the Finnish market, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 90% over the fuel's lifecycle compared to using fossil diesel.

“Neste MY Renewable Diesel meets our needs well. We can use it as is in our existing fleet of ships operating in the Gulf of Finland to reduce our vessels' greenhouse gas emissions, thereby meeting the requirements of the FuelEU Maritime regulation, which came into effect at the beginning of the year,” said Taru Keronen, CEO, Eckerö Line.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel has a similar chemical composition to fossil diesel, and therefore it can be used in all diesel-powered vessels without additional investments or modifications to existing equipment or fuel distribution infrastructure.

“The need to mitigate climate change is more urgent than ever. It's great that, as a partner and with Neste's renewable fuel, we can also support the maritime sector's transition towards lower-emission transport. Eckerö Line is setting a great example in this regard,” said Joni Pihlström, VP, Marketing & Services, Neste.

Photo credit: Eckerö Line
Published: 25 April, 2025