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North P&I: Biofuels Enter the Sustainable Fuel Mix

Conversion to biofuels whether a blend or ‘drop-in’ fuel will require minimal engine and storage system modifications from using traditional bunker fuel, it said.

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The North P&I Club on Monday (12 April) published an article outlining some considerations and frequently asked questions about switching to biofuel to comply with future environmental regulations; it was written by Mark Smith, Loss Prevention Executive:

Achieving the IMO’s goals on greenhouse gas emissions will require a shift in how vessels are fuelled and propelled. Amongst the options available to shipowners on meeting the IMO targets, lower-carbon fuels are likely to be a popular option – one of which is biofuels.

Switching to biofuels could be an attractive proposition to some shipowners. The conversion to biofuels – whether a blend or ‘drop-in’ (replacement) fuel – is relatively simple. Ships’ engines and transfer and storage systems will require minimal modifications from using traditional marine (fossil) fuel. The lack of availability and higher costs have been identified as barriers to adoption, but there could be positive shifts in this area too.

North has already received enquiries from shipowners who are considering using biofuels, indicating interest is growing and the shipping industry is keen to know more. We spoke to Bart Hellings and Johannes Schurmann from biofuel provider GoodFuels based in the Netherlands for expert insight. 

How do biofuels compare with fossil fuels?

Just like fossil fuels there are multiple types of biofuels and they can also differ on sulphur, density, and viscosity parameters. The heaviest marine biofuel which GoodFuels supply is MR1-100 which compares to RMD-80. Different biofuels which are closer to other product categories are also available.

How does ISO 8217:2017 cater for the latest biofuels?

It’s important to remember that ISO 8217 is a fossil fuel standard; and while it could be used as a guideline, there are missing parameters that are relevant to biofuels and others which are no longer relevant.

Are biofuels susceptible to microbial growth and what about their shelf life? 

They normally contain less than 0.05% (v/v) water which is very low. Microbial growth normally occurs when water is added to the fuel by condensation or poor housekeeping on the ship. This risk is reduced by storing in a clean fuel tank and preventing water ingress. Special additives have been developed if microbial activity is a concern and specific operational procedures will be required.

Some biofuels undergo processes where oxygen is eliminated and are perhaps even more resistant to microbial growth in terms of quality and have at least the same shelf life of fossil fuels. 

How is the quality of the biofuel assured? 

Poor quality biofuels can be very diverse in their content and characteristics. GoodFuels have found that the following helps with the overall quality:

  • Large portfolio of quality, long-term and stable supply partners
  • Use of special additives
  • Proven recipes based on five years of continuous testing which results in consistent quality – especially for higher blends

How is biofuel quality and conformity proven?

A certificate of analysis (CoA) will confirm that specifications have been met and a sustainability certificate will verify the fuel is produced from sustainable feedstocks.

The last year has shown there is higher risk of stability and compatibility issues with VLSFOs – how do biofuels compare?

Tried and tested biofuels do not appear to cause customers any more issues than fossil fuels. The issues experienced with VLSFOs have not been reported with their marine biofuels.

Are there any special tank cleaning requirements?

There are no reported problems regarding stability and compatibility when leftover fossil fuels remain in the tank. However, thorough cleaning of fuel tanks prior to use of biofuels will prevent operational problems caused by fossil fuel sediment entering the fuel system. 

What do the engine makers say?

GoodFuels has carried out extensive testing of biofuels with the top five original equipment makers (OEMs). They are now very supportive of GoodFuels’ biofuels and additional OEMs are ratifying our products on a constant basis.

What is the future of biofuels?

Advanced marine biofuels are a fast-growing alternative fuel in the marine sector. July 2020 was a record month with biofuels representing 10% of all Rotterdam HFO volumes. We expect growth to continue for this low-sulphur ‘drop-in’ fuel which can be used in existing engines with a significant CO2 reduction.

The shipping industry needs to keep its guard up. Shipowners and fuel purchasers should ensure that they are supplied only with sustainably sourced, high quality and stable products. GoodFuels can only vouch for the quality of their own products and regularly see bad quality biofuels from other suppliers with less stringent quality controls.

Poor quality-controlled biofuels can create operational issues and potential damage to main engines and generators. High repair costs not to mention the delays to cargo, commercial off-hire and lengthy disputes with charterers are all concerns. In rare cases de-bunkering may be required too. 

How does NOx, calorific value and fuel consumption compare to fossil fuels? 

The effect on NOx is still uncertain, but testing is underway together with clients, OEMs and classification societies. Calorific value can be lower than fossil fuels and therefore the fuel consumption may be slightly higher.


Photo credit: GoodFuels
Source: North P&I
Published: 13 April, 2021

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Methanol

World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to “Arctic Tern” via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel “M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan”.

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World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Marine fuel provider World Fuel on Tuesday (21 July) said it successfully completed the first green methanol bunkering of M/V Arctic Tern, with EUKOR Car Carriers and SIPG Energy at the Port of Shanghai. 

Arctic Tern is the first vessel in the new Shaper Class series of car carriers. 

The operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to Arctic Tern via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan, the largest vessel of its kind in operation. 

The bunkering operation was carried out at Haitong Terminal, Waigaoqiao Port Area, Shanghai Port, with cargo handling operations conducted simultaneously during bunkering.

This marks EUKOR Car Carriers’ first green methanol operation and the first time Arctic Tern has bunkered methanol since its delivery on 9 July. The operation marked the first bunkering at Shanghai Port of green methanol produced locally in Shanghai for an international PCTC operator. 

It also demonstrated the city’s integrated green methanol value chain, spanning local production, storage and bunkering, and established a replicable “Shanghai Model” for green methanol supply.

World Fuel arranged the supply and delivery of the fuel on behalf of EUKOR Car Carriers, working with SIPG Energy as the physical supplier at the Port of Shanghai.

The green methanol supplied was produced from municipal solid waste, ISCC-EU certified, and had a carbon intensity value below 25 gCO₂e/MJ.

Arctic Tern is the first of fourteen Shaper Class vessels ordered by Wallenius Wilhelmsen. With a capacity of 9,300 car equivalent units and methanol dual-fuel capability, the vessel will be operated by EUKOR Car Carriers, jointly owned by Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Hyundai Motor Group. Following her first green methanol bunkering, Arctic Tern will continue her maiden voyage from Asia to Europe.

Xavier Leroi, COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen and CEO of EUKOR Car Carriers, said: “Completing Arctic Tern’s first green methanol bunkering shortly after delivery is a significant milestone towards our decarbonisation ambition for both EUKOR Car Carriers and Wallenius Wilhelmsen. It demonstrates how investments in next-generation vessel technology and fuel flexibility are being translated into real-world operations. 

“This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between all parties involved. Together, we have shown how partnerships across the maritime value chain can help make lower-emission fuels available and operationally viable at scale.”

Mark Tamsitt, SVP Global Marine Sales at World Fuel, said, “The first bunkering event with a new fuel is a significant moment for any shipowner, and our role is to make it as seamless as possible. By connecting EUKOR Car Carriers with SIPG Energy’s proven green methanol capability at the Port of Shanghai, we were able to deliver on reliable supply, fuel quality, and safe processes. As more of our customers bring methanol dual-fuel tonnage into service, we are committed to being the partner that makes these kinds of operations routine.”

Mr. Zhang Da, General Manager of SIPG Energy, said, “Welcoming Arctic Tern to the Port of Shanghai for her first green methanol bunkering demonstrates the strength and maturity of our supply capability. Building on our well-established methanol ship-to-ship bunkering services for container vessels, we have already extended such services to pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). This bunkering sets a new record for the largest single SIMOPs green methanol bunkering for PCTCs in China, marking another step in building Shanghai’s position as a global green energy hub for international shipping.”

This operation follows Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s announcement on 9 July that Arctic Tern would complete her first methanol bunkering shortly after delivery. The vessel entered service on routes between Asia and Europe immediately following handover from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing.

 

Photo credit: World Fuel
Published: 22 July, 2026

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Ammonia

HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

HPA says the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

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HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and integrated energy company MB Energy on Tuesday (21 July) said they have completed a comprehensive risk analysis and developed a dedicated safety concept for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering.

MB Energy said the analysis lays the groundwork for the safe introduction of ammonia as a future marine fuel.

“With our planned ammonia import terminal in Hamburg-Blumensand, MB Energy intends to provide the reliable land side supply infrastructure needed to support this transition across northern German ports,” it said in a social media post. 

Mabanaft Group was renamed to MB Energy last year and merged over 50 existing brands under one identity. 

Separately, HPA said the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

“The focus is in particular on container ships, cruise ships as well as RoRo and ConRo (Container/RoRo) ships,” it said. 

“We expect ammonia to establish itself as an alternative marine marine fuel in the coming years. With our preparatory work, we are already creating the conditions to welcome the first ammonia-powered ships in Hamburg and to bunker them safely.:

HPA added that the import terminal for ammonia planned by MB Energy from 2029 will make a decisive contribution to ensuring the reliable availability of ammonia as a bunker fuel in northern German ports in the long term. 

“The use of an ammonia bunker barge is considered a possible addition to the landside infrastructure to enable ship bunkering in the port and beyond in the future,” it said.

Related: Mabanaft Group renames as MB Energy, merging over 50 brands under one identity

 

Photo credit: Hamburg Port Authority
Published: 22 July, 2026

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LNG Bunkering

PIL’s LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on LNG and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

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PIL's LNG dual-fuel boxship “Kota Elok” arrives in Singapore on maiden call

Singapore-based Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd on Monday (20 July) said its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, recently made her maiden call to Singapore on 15 July.

As the first of 13 new 13,000 TEU vessels joining its fleet, Kota Elok is equipped to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil that helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. 

The vessel also incorporated energy-saving features and digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption and enhance operational performance, as well as a bow windshield to improve aerodynamics, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions over the course of long-haul voyages.

“Following Singapore, Kota Elok will continue her voyage on our East Coast Service 1 (ES1) route to South America, calling at ports in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina before returning to Asia,” the company said in a social media post. 

Kota Elok also became PIL’s first vessel to receive Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 cyber security requirements.

Developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), UR E26 and UR E27 are mandatory cyber resilience requirements for newbuild vessels contracted from 1 July 2024. 

 

Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 21 July, 2026

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