Fratelli Cosulich Marine Energy on Wednesday (9 July) announced the steel cutting ceremony of Lucia Cosulich, a 7,999 DWT IMO Type 2 chemical bunker tanker – the second vessel in a series of four – at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard, China.

“This milestone marks another bold step in our Marine Energy business unit’s commitment to clean fuel readiness and operational excellence,” said the company.

The vessel will be fully methanol-ready, capable of carrying, burning, and bunkering methanol safely and efficiently, with full regulatory compliance standards.

It will feature an integrated Nitrogen Generator System, ensuring safe and inert tank operations at all times. Equipped with advanced safety systems specifically engineered for low-flashpoint fuel handling, the vessel sets a new benchmark in future fuel readiness.

A complete methanol bunkering setup will come as standard, including the Quick Connect/Disconnect Couplings (QCDC), dedicated transfer lines and comprehensive monitoring and control systems to ensure efficient and secure fuel handling.

“Built on state-of-the-art architecture, she is designed not only to meet but to exceed the evolving demands of tomorrow’s energy supply chain,” noted the firm.

“Lucia Cosulich embodies our vision to lead the transition within the maritime fuel landscape.”

Photo credit: Fratelli Cosulich
Published: 11 July 2025

Methanol marine fuels consultancy GREENMARINE and Vertoro, a Maersk-backed Dutch start-up focused on developing liquid lignin technology which can be used as a bunker fuel, has signed an agreement to jointly accelerate the market validation and commercial roll-out of lignin-alcohol as sustainable marine fuels.

“We at GREENMARINE Group are excited to join forces with Vertoro to bring their revolutionary lignin alcohol blend fuel to market,” said Fredrik Stubner, founder and CEO of GREENMARINE Group.

“This breakthrough technology redefines sustainable maritime fuels, delivering environmental benefits and cost efficiencies, paving the way for a greener, more competitive shipping industry.”

Dr. Michael Boot Boot, co-founder & co-CEO Vertoro, replied, “GREENMARINE Group has an excellent track record as a match maker for green fuel producers with engine manufacturers and shipping companies, opening many doors for us on both the fuel validation and offtake side.”

Vertoro, founded in 2017, produces liquid lignin exclusively from sustainably sourced forestry and agricultural residues by means of a patented thermochemical process. Like fossil oil, liquid lignin can be used as a platform for fuel, chemical and material applications.

Related: Maersk invests in Dutch start-up Vertoro to develop green lignin marine fuels

Photo credit: CHUTTERSNAP from Unsplash
Published: 11 July 2025

Europe’s largest manufacturer of waste-based biodiesel Greenergy on Thrusday (10 July) confirmed it will begin consultation on a proposal to cease production at its biodiesel plant in Immingham, Lincolnshire.

Despite significant cost reductions to improve the plant’s viability, the Immingham plant has continued to be negatively impacted by market factors, including slower increases in the UKs biofuels blending mandates compared to European countries and competition from subsidised US-origin products.

Greenergy’s announcement follows the strategic review of its biodiesel operations at Immingham, announced in late May 2025. Consultation with affected employees will begin as soon as possible. Greenergy is committed to supporting staff through this period.

“It has been an incredibly difficult decision to enter consultation on the proposed closure of our Immingham site, and a decision we have not taken lightly,” said Greenergy CEO Adam Trager.

“However, in light of continuing market pressures, we unfortunately do not have enough certainty on the outlook for UK biofuels policy to make the substantial investments required to create a competitive operation at Immingham.

“We are seeking urgent talks with ministers about increasing the amount of biofuels used in the UKs petrol and diesel, a move which will help protect the biofuels sector, as well as cutting the UK’s emissions, particularly from HGVs.

“Today’s decision does not reflect the dedication and hard work of affected staff and I would like to thank our employees at Immingham for their tremendous efforts to date. Our priority is supporting our employees through this difficult period.”

Related: Bunker One takes over Greenergy’s Thames client base
Related: Propeller Fuels to sell Greenergy bunker fuels in UK
Related: UK-based Greenergy time-charters two bunkering vessels for marine fuel deliveries
Related: Greenergy adds 0.5%S bunkers to UK marine fuel supply operations
Related: Greenergy extends its marine fuel supply network to include Tyne, UK
Related: UK: Greenergy commences supply of MGO from Thurrock port
Related: UK: Greenergy expands oil business into the marine fuels sector

Photo credit: Greenergy
Published: 11 July 2025