Business

KPI OceanConnect reports significant increase in bunker sales volume across Asia

Hong Kong and China recorded 65% and 20% higher respectively in marine fuel sales volume, as a result of fewer restrictions on bunker-only calls, says firm.

Published

3 years ago

June 29, 2022

Admin

International bunkering firm KPI OceanConnect on Tuesday (28 June) reported its fiscal performance for the financial year 2021/22 with a “significant volume increase” across Asia, with Hong Kong and China volumes 65% and 20% higher respectively.

The company said this was due to fewer restrictions on bunker-only calls.

Its overall revenue improved slightly to USD 2.94 billion, from USD 2 billion in 2020/21, maintaining its market share.

Annual earnings before tax (EBT) also increased from USD 15.1 million to USD 15.4 million.

Søren Høll, CEO at KPI OceanConnect, commented: “We are very pleased to report such solid financial results, despite the uncertainty within the market, and on the back of a global pandemic. It shows the strength of our consultative and partnership-based approach, our reputation for being a trustworthy and reliable partner, as well as the hard work of the entire global team at KPI OceanConnect.”

2021 saw many significant developments for KPI OceanConnect as the company continued to support its partners to meet the challenges of the global pandemic, accelerate the drive for decarbonisation, support the demands for increased transparency in the supply chain, and empower change through diversity and inclusivity.

Two significant milestones on the sustainability front include the successful delivery of one of the first carbon offset transactions in the bunkering sector, and the launch of a dedicated Alternative Fuels and Special Projects division led by industry expert Bill Wakeling. The new division has significantly expanded the company’s future fuels expertise and capabilities, as well as enhanced sustainability in its supply chains. The company is actively working in partnership with clients to support and guide the development of future fuels strategies that achieve net-zero emissions and meet sustainability goals.

Søren Høll continued: “As the market continues to rapidly change and becomes increasingly complex, it is clear that ship owners and operators need expert counsel founded on in-depth knowledge and insight into how the energy transition and future fuels market impact their businesses. In conjunction with our financial strength, ability to innovate, and global focus, we have the capability to ensure fuel procurement strategies help our clients meet the needs of their operations and continue to thrive as the market transforms.”

As part of its commitment to diversity and inclusivity in shipping, KPI OceanConnect launched its ‘Women in Shipping’ initiative to drive awareness of the many great career opportunities that exist in the shipping industry, and to highlight how an informed, inspired and connected workforce delivers more added value for the business and its partners.

The initiative is part of KPI OceanConnect’s journey to attract more women into the industry, driving greater gender balance and demonstrating how an inclusive, diverse and supportive organisation can deliver more innovation and dynamic thinking, which in turn stimulates effective, high performance working environments and empowers change.

Looking ahead, KPI OceanConnect remains a financially strong counterpart, and is well positioned to lead partners through the green transition by consulting on new fuels and carbon offsets – whether voluntary or mandatory – while also delivering innovative initiatives that will bring positive change to the whole industry, according to the firm.

Photo credit: KPI OceanConnect
Published: 29 June, 2022

Biofuel

NYK to launch Japan’s first antioxidant for biodiesel bunker fuel in August

When added to biofuel, BioxiGuard slows progression of oxidative degradation and helps deter issues such as metal corrosion, strainer blockage, and cleaning-system fouling often triggered by oxidised fuel.

Published

16 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Admin

Japan’s first antioxidant by NYK for biodiesel bunker fuel set to release in August

Nippon Yuka Kogyo (Nippon Yuka), an NYK Group company specialising in chemical R&D as well as the manufacture and sale of chemical products, on Wednesday (21 May) announced the upcoming release of BioxiGuard, the Japan’s first antioxidant specially developed for marine biodiesel, from 10 August.

NYK said compared with conventional petroleum-based fuels, biofuel contains a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, making it more susceptible to oxidative degradation. Once oxidised, the biofuel can produce acidic substances and sludge, adversely affecting vessel fuel efficiency by reducing the fuel’s calorific value.

Developed by Nippon Yuka based on property analyses of the biofuel used in NYK-operated vessels, BioxiGuard is specifically formulated to enhance the oxidation stability of biodiesel. When added to biofuel, BioxiGuard slows the progression of oxidative degradation and helps deter issues such as metal corrosion, strainer blockage, and cleaning-system fouling often triggered by oxidised fuel.

According to laboratory tests conducted by Nippon Yuka researchers, the addition of BioxiGuard at a concentration of 1 part per 500 resulted in an approximate 50% reduction in the rate of biofuel degradation compared to untreated biofuel.

This significant improvement underscores the potential for vessel operators to not only extend the useful life of biofuel on board but also maintain more stable and cost-effective vessel operations.

Photo credit: NYK
Published: 22 May, 2025

Wind-assisted

Dealfeng to equip Singapore-based Hung Ze’s chemical tankers with rotor sails

Project marks Chinese firm Dealfeng’s first overseas commercial contract for its wind-assisted propulsion technology which entails equipping a new series of 14,000 DWT chemical tankers with Dealfeng Rotor Sails.

Published

17 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Admin

Singapore-based Hung Ze chemical tankers to be equipped with Dealfeng rotor sails

Dealfeng, a Chinese provider of wind-assisted propulsion systems, on Tuesday (20 May) said it has assigned a cooperation agreement with Singapore-based shipowner Hung Ze Shipping.

The partnership will equip a new series of 14,000 DWT chemical tankers with Dealfeng® Rotor Sails.

Each vessel will feature a 5m x 24m Dealfeng Rotor Sail installed on its forecastle deck. Collaborating with maritime software leader NAPA, the project will utilise route optimisation systems to maximise the efficiency of wind-assisted voyages, further enhancing fuel savings and emissions reduction while improving overall energy performance.

“The first vessel in the series is scheduled for delivery with the rotor sail system in the fourth quarter of 2025. Preliminary calculations indicate that the technology will achieve approximately 8% fuel savings on the vessel’s trading routes,” the company said in a social media post.

The project marked Dealfeng’s first overseas commercial contract for its wind-assisted propulsion technology.

Dealfeng, a clean energy technology company specialising in the R&D, manufacturing, and EPC services of shipborne energy-saving systems, has long focused on developing Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS). Its core product, the Rotor Sail, harnesses wind energy via the Magnus effect to provide auxiliary propulsion for vessels.

Tailored to different ship types, the system offers fuel and carbon emission reductions of 5%–25%, with even greater efficiency under favorable wind conditions. Dealfeng’s Rotor Sail technology has obtained certifications from multiple classification societies and has been successfully deployed across numerous vessels, accumulating years of operational experience that validate its safety, reliability, and effectiveness.

Hung Ze operates a diverse fleet ranging from 5,000 DWT vessels to MR product tankers.

Photo credit: Dealfeng
Published: 22 May, 2025

Newbuilding

Höegh Autoliners latest LNG dual-fuel PCTC en route to Shanghai for bunkering

The 9,100 CEU “Höegh Sunrise”, currently sailing the seas, is on its way to Shanghai for bunkering before sailing to Japan and then towards Europe.

Published

17 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Admin

Höegh Autoliners latest LNG dual-fuel PCTC en route to Shanghai for bunkering

Höegh Autoliners on Tuesday (20 May) said its latest liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel pure car and truck carrier has departed China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard, ready to commence its commercial operations.

The 9,100 CEU Höegh Sunrise, currently sailing the seas, is on its way to Shanghai for bunkering before sailing to Japan and then towards Europe.

The PCTC is the fifth in a series of 12 Aurora Class vessels built by the shipyard in China. The first eight Auroras are or will be equipped with engines primed to run on LNG and low-sulphur oil.

These vessels can be converted to run on ammonia later. By 2027, Höegh Autoliners said the four last vessels of the series will be able to run net zero on ammonia directly from the yard when delivered.

Manifold Times previously reported the naming ceremony of Höegh Autoliner’s fourth Aurora Class newbuild, Höegh Sunlight, at Taicang Haitong Auto Terminal.