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UECC reduces emissions in 2023 by more than doubling bio bunker fuel use

UECC boosted the use of ISCC-certified sustainable biofuel B100 on both owned and time-chartered ships to 14,000 mt last year, up from 6,500 mt in 2022.

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United European Car Carriers (UECC) recently announced its progress of using alternative bunker fuels and said it was on track to exceed its goal of a 45% emissions reduction by 2030 after more than doubling biofuel usage across its fleet last year.

UECC boosted the use of ISCC-certified sustainable biofuel B100 on both owned and time-chartered ships to 14,000 metric tonnes (mt) last year, up from 6,500 mt in 2022.

The company achieved a total tank-to-wake emissions reduction of over 60,000 tonnes across its 14-vessel fleet in 2023, of which it is estimated increased biofuel use accounted for 40,000 tonnes, with the remainder coming from LNG. This was a near-250% increase on the emissions cut of 24,200 tonnes achieved in 2022.

TheEuropean sustainable shortsea carrier said it has made significant strides in decarbonisation of its fleet of pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) with the addition of five LNG-fuelled newbuilds and the increased rollout of biofuels in recent years - and this is now showing commercial payback for clients in the light of new green regulations, according to Energy and Sustainability Manager Daniel Gent.

“Consequently, we are well on the way to reach or exceed our 45% emissions reduction target by 2030. This clearly has a positive impact for those bio-supportive cargo owners in terms of reducing costs related to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS),” Gent said.

“Furthermore, 85% of the vessels in our fleet achieved a C-rating last year with the IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and this year we expect all our ships to achieve this rating or above.”

Gent also pointed out the UECC fleet is already in surplus in relation to the requirement for an average 14.5% reduction in GHG intensity by 2035 under the FuelEU Maritime regulation due to be implemented next year.

The environmental performance of UECC’s current fleet of nine owned and five time-chartered PCTCs has been enhanced through delivery over the past seven years of five eco-friendly newbuilds - a pair of dual-fuelled LNG vessels and trio of multi-fuel LNG battery hybrid units.

The use of LNG reduces emissions of CO2 by around 25%, SOx and particulate matter by 90% and NOx by 85%, while the latest battery hybrid newbuilds exceed the IMO target to reduce carbon intensity by at least 40% from 2008 levels by 2030.

UECC is now looking at sourcing alternative carbon-neutral fuels such as bio-LNG and e-LNG for these vessels to further improve their green performance, according to Gent.

UECC’s adoption of alternative fuels has expanded exponentially since the programme was launched in 2020 with piloting the use of biofuel on its vessel Autosky, bolstered by valuable support from owners of its time-chartered vessels, clients such as BMW, fuel suppliers like GoodFuels, industry partners, and parent companies NYK and Wallenius Lines.

“We are now in the fifth year of running our biofuels programme and it has gone from strength to strength. UECC has sought to take a leading role through early-stage analysis of new biofuels to evaluate their potential in terms of technical suitability, sustainability and commercial viability, both  to deliver the best solution for our customers and give the sector a blueprint for assessment and adoption of such fuels based on these three pillars,” Gent explained.

He added that, in terms of sustainability criteria, the company looks for biofuels with the biggest environmental impact, with a typical minimum 90% reduction in GHG intensity from well-to-wake compared with conventional marine fuels. 

UECC has steadily expanded the use of green fuels to cover 30% of its fleet in 2023, up from 18% in 2022, and is on track to achieve 50% coverage this year towards the goal of 80% by 2030, though Gent is confident of surpassing this figure.

He said being proactive in trialling new alternative fuels has also promoted engagement with fuel providers, which has led to UECC’s latest initiative together with biofuel supplier ACT Group as part of an industry collaboration to test the Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL)-based biofuel FS.100 that he believes has “great potential for sustainable shipping”.

“Increasing the pool of sustainable drop-in fuels offers a pathway for shipping to achieve rapid emissions cuts on existing vessels. Combining alternative fuels with energy efficiency measures such as hull cleaning and electrification with shore power can further accelerate decarbonisation,” Gent said.

“By progressively advancing the use of alternative fuels, we are reducing emissions exposure for our clients and securing regulatory compliance long into the future, while also promoting industry efforts to reach the net-zero goal,” he concluded.

 

Photo credit: United European Car Carriers
Published: 21 June, 2024

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Biofuel

PRIO delivers Eco Bunkers B30 to two cargo ships at ports in Portugal

Company supplied the bio bunker fuel, a product containing 30% renewable raw materials, to “BBC Lisbon” at Port of Aveiro on 3 March and to “ANNA” at Port of Leixões on 18 March.

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PRIO delivers Eco Bunkers B30 to two cargo ships at ports in Portugal

Biofuels producer PRIO on Wednesday (19 March) said it carried out Eco Bunkers B30 fuel deliveries to shipping company Briese Chartering in collaboration with its partner UFS Unites Fuel Services this month.

On 3 March, PRIO supplied the biofuel to cargo vessel BBC Lisbon at the Port of Aveiro and to another cargo vessel, ANNA, at the Port of Leixões on 18 March. 

“With these two Eco Bunkers B30 deliveries, a product containing 30% renewable raw materials, PRIO enabled Briese Chartering to reduce around 60 tons of CO2 in just two port calls in Portugal,” it said in a social media post. 

“Produced at PRIO’s Aveiro plant, biodiesel has the potential to reduce GHG emissions by approximately 88% compared to fossil fuels.”

“PRIO has been demonstrating its commitment to decarbonising the maritime sector by supplying more sustainable products, ranging from 1% to 100% renewable content.”

Manifold Times previously reported PRIO launching its ECO Bunkers B30 biofuel in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and World Fuel Services.

PRIO previously launched ECO Bunkers B15, a green fuel for ships with 15% biodiesel and the company then launched a 20% biofuel blend, ECO Bunkers E20. 

Related: PRIO launches new 30% advanced biofuel bunker blend, made from waste feedstocks

 

Photo credit: PRIO
Published: 20 March, 2025

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Events

Oman Maritime, Ports and Energy Forum to feature bunkering and energy transition

Experts will explore the latest in conventional and alternative bunker fuels, including LNG and biofuels, along with updates on Oman’s bunkering infrastructure at the forum.

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Oman Maritime, Ports and Energy Forum to feature bunkering and energy transition

The Oman Maritime, Ports and Energy Forum (OMPEF) is set to showcase the Sultanate of Oman’s expanding capabilities in ports, energy, shipping, maritime logistics, and bunkering. 

The event is designed to highlight how Oman’s maritime-related industries are capitalising on shifting global trade flows, driving innovation, and positioning the region at the forefront of the energy transition.

The event will be held from 28 to 30 April at Muscat in Oman. 

Event Programme Highlights

According to the OMPEF Programme, delegates can look forward to:

  • Keynotes and Panel Discussions: Government and industry leaders share insights on new market prospects, regulatory developments, and collaborative strategies to strengthen Oman’s role in global maritime trade.
  • Technological Advancements: Focus on digitisation and operational efficiencies, including automation, data analytics, and AI-driven solutions to reduce costs and enhance competitiveness.
  • Bunkering and Energy Transition: Experts explore the latest in conventional and alternative fuels, including LNG and biofuels, along with updates on Oman’s bunkering infrastructure.
  • Infrastructure and Port Developments: Updates on expansions and modernisation efforts at key Omani ports - enabling higher throughput, improved logistics, and more seamless supply chain connections.
  • Networking Opportunities: Exclusive gatherings designed to foster international partnerships, expand professional networks, and encourage the exchange of innovative ideas.

Note: Additional information or programme updates can be found at the official event website here or email [email protected].

 

Photo credit: ship.energy
Published: 20 March, 2025

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Biofuel

Dan-Bunkering coordinates Union Bulk’s first ever biofuel operation in Singapore

Delivery was arranged by Dan-Bunkering and executed via an STS operation delivering 300 mt of bio residual marine fuel (B24 VLSFO) to Union Bulk’s vessel “Blue Union Alpha” on 9 March.

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Dan-Bunkering coordinates Union Bulk’s first ever biofuel delivery in Singapore

Global bunker supplier Dan-Bunkering on Tuesday (18 March) said it has completed the arrangement of Union Bulk’s first ever bunkering of biofuel in Singapore. 

The delivery was coordinated by Dan-Bunkering and executed via a ship-to-ship (STS) operation delivering 300 metric tonnes (mt) of bio residual marine fuel (B24 VLSFO) to Union Bulk’s vessel Blue Union Alpha on 9 March. 

“Dan-Bunkering’s strength, in a case like this, comes from having spent a great amount time and resources in putting the necessary framework and biofuel supply team together, to support a first-time buyer like, in this case, Union Bulk. When we were called upon by Union Bulk for this task, we could jump into action immediately, schedule the delivery, and completed the ordering process with just a day’s notice,” said Michel Dominique Thomsen, Commercial Director at Dan-Bunkering.

Loading the B24 VLSFO will allow the Blue Union Alpha to complete its voyage to Europe while complying with the EU’s regulatory frameworks of ETS and FuelEU Maritime.

“Before setting out on the voyage from Singapore to EU, adding B24 VLSFO was vital for us to meet emissions requirements imposed by the EU. And having both fuel quality, paperwork, and delivery in place and in time for an operation with short notice, we called Dan-Bunkering,” said Thomas Nielsen, Operations Director and Parter at Union Bulk.

“This being our first biofuel bunkering operation, we went above and beyond with 300 MT, easily sufficing the journey’s needs. But this was to get experience and prove the feasibility of the operation, and it was a good experience for us both commercially and operationally. Bunkering biofuel, as is turns out, isn’t much different than regular marine fuels; but being new territory for us, we are pleased to have worked with Dan-Bunkering on this operation and have them warrant that it was done in correct manner.”

One of easiest ways to go about meeting the FuelEU requirements is to use a drop-in fuel like biofuel to lower the emissions. For a ship like the Union Blue Alpha, adding 300 mt of B24 VLSFO may result in CO2 emissions savings of about 79 tonnes of CO2 and a reduction in GHG Intensity compared to conventional fuels.

 

Photo credit: Dan-Bunkering
Published: 19 March, 2025

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