Law firm Mayer Brown on Tuesday (28 July) said Brazil’s National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) has launched a 45-day public consultation on proposed revisions to the country’s marine fuel specifications, paving the way for routine use of up to 100% biofuel (B100) in vessels while streamlining biofuel blending requirements: 

On July 27, 2026, Brazil’s National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (“ANP”) published Public Consultation and Hearing Notice No. 15/2026, for the review of ANP Resolution No. 903/2022, which establishes the specifications for waterborne fuels marketed in Brazilian territory (marine diesel oil and marine fuel oil).

The purpose is to incorporate biofuels and renewable fuels into Brazilian waterborne transport, in the context of the energy transition and the International Maritime Organization’s (“IMO”) international decarbonization targets.

The proposal (i) aligns national specifications with ISO 8217/2024; and (ii) is encouraged by the progress of IMO discussions on carbon pricing and incentives for new fuels.

In terms of market context, operations involving the use of biofuels in Brazilian waterborne transport already exist, such that harmonizing national rules with ISO 8217 and the MARPOL Convention will standardize the regulatory treatment applicable to these operations.

The main changes proposed in the draft resolution are as follows.

• The specification tables for waterborne fuels will be restructured, including classes for fuels containing biodiesel.
• Limits and test methods from ISO 8217/2024 will be selectively incorporated, on a partial basis, in line with Brazilian market realities.
• Biodiesel content of up to 100% (“B100”) for regular use in vessels (no longer as an exception), which could be sold directly to the end user.
• Green diesel (“HVO”) and synthetic/GTL (Gas-to-Liquids) fuels will be treated as “drop-in” components, meaning chemically similar to fossil fuels and capable of replacing them without requiring engine or infrastructure adaptation.
• Agents authorized to carry out biofuel blending will be defined, which eliminates the requirement for prior ANP authorization to use blends, replacing it with a simple notification to the Agency.
• Quality control, document traceability, sampling, certification, and fuel identification rules will be improved, in line with the MARPOL Convention.
• Prior experimental authorization from ANP will be provided for alternative fuels not covered by ISO 8217 (ethanol, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen).
• A prior authorization regime will be established for liquefied natural gas (“LNG”), without an experimental character, given the existence of well-established technical standards and the early stage of Brazil’s national LNG transport and supply infrastructure.

The public consultation will run for 45 days, from July 28 to September 10, 2026. On September 23, 2026, a public hearing will be held to discuss the matter with civil society and regulated agents.

Photo credit: Jeff Doria on Unsplash
Published: 31 July, 2026

Canadian low-carbon marine fuel provider Seaspan Energy on Wednesday (29 July) said it has completed its 150th ship-to-ship LNG bunkering less than two years after launching operations.

The company is now ranked seventh globally by LNG bunkering volume, according to the latest LANSDOWNE Moritz rankings. LANSDOWNE Moritz is a boutique advisory business specialising in the energy industry, with specific focus on the natural gas, LNG and maritime sectors. 

Since completing its first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering at the Port of Long Beach in December 2024, Seaspan Energy has all three of their LNG bunker vessels operating on the West Coast and is now averaging 12 LNG bunkering operations per month. 

Working closely with key stakeholders to obtain all necessary authorisations, Seaspan Energy serves cruise ships, container ships, car carriers and tankers across the ports of Vancouver, Nanaimo, Royal Roads, Long Beach, and Seattle.

More than half of Seaspan Energy’s LNG bunkering operations have taken place in the Port of Vancouver, reinforcing the port’s position as a leading gateway for LNG-powered vessels and alternative marine fuels.

Seaspan Energy delivers made-in-BC LNG sourced from FortisBC’s Tilbury LNG facility to help meet the growing global demand for lower-emission marine fuels.

Harly Penner, President, Seaspan Energy, said: “Completing 150 LNG bunkering operations in just 18 months is an incredible achievement for our team. This milestone reflects the hard work and commitment of our vessel crews and shoreside staff, who have built a reputation for delivering safe, reliable LNG bunkering. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the trust our global customers continue to place in our team.”

Gary Regan, Managing Consultant, LANSDOWNE Moritz, said: “Seaspan Energy has become one of the world’s leading LNG bunker suppliers in a relatively short period of time. The company is now ranked seventh globally by LNG bunkering volume according to our data and is well positioned for future growth given its access to dedicated SSLNG loading facilities and competitive value proposition.”

Photo credit: Seaspan Energy
Published: 30 July, 2026

Sallaum Lines on Tuesday (28 July) announced the signing of a new shipbuilding contract with China Merchants Shipyard for the construction of one + one additional 8,600 CEU Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC).

The new vessel will be LNG dual-fuel and ammonia-ready, with delivery scheduled for 2029. 

This latest firm order comes weeks after Sallaum Lines announced a separate newbuilding agreement with Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. for two firm 8,600 CEU vessels, with options for two additional vessels.

“The China Merchants order adds further momentum to Sallaum Lines’ newbuilding programme and confirms the company’s continued investment in modern, high-capacity RoRo tonnage at a time when the global PCTC market remains structurally important to automotive supply chains,” the company said. 

The newly signed vessel at China Merchants Shipyard brings Sallaum Lines’ total newbuilding programme to nine vessels, representing a total order value of above USD 850 million. The programme includes four vessels already delivered, one vessel scheduled for delivery in August 2026, one vessel scheduled for delivery in December 2026, and three vessels scheduled for delivery in 2029.

Photo credit: Sallaum Lines
Published: 29 July, 2026