Biofuel

Ulsan Port aims to become leading bio bunker fuel supply hub in Northeast Asia

UPA’s Director Byeong-gu Kim unveiled comprehensive plans to promote marine biofuel adoption centered on Ulsan Port at 2nd Forum on the Commercialization of Biofuels for Maritime Vessels in Seoul.

Published

4 weeks ago

April 25, 2025

Admin

Ulsan Port aims to become leading bio bunker fuel supply hub in Northeast Asia

Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) on Thursday (24 April) said it is looking to position the port as a leading biofuel supply hub in Northeast Asia.

UPA, Korea’s port operator for energy and petrochemical logistics, emphasised its strategic role in building a stable marine biofuel supply chain aligned with tightening global regulations.

UPA’s Director Byeong-gu Kim unveiled comprehensive plans to promote marine biofuel adoption centered on Ulsan Port at a recent biofuel forum in Seoul, highlighting the port’s strategic advantages including its world-class petrochemical infrastructure, extensive storage facilities, and specialised handling expertise.

The presentation showcased UPA’s commitment to developing the necessary facilities and operational frameworks to become Northeast Asia’s “premier biofuel bunkering destination”.

“As IMO environmental regulations intensify, Ulsan Port Authority is strategically positioned to lead the transition to alternative fuels,” stated UPA President Jae-young Byeon.

“Marine biofuels represent a practical alternative that can be implemented immediately without requiring new vessel construction or retrofitting. UPA will continue to strengthen port-centered biofuel supply networks and create a competitive eco-friendly marine fuel market through our advanced infrastructure and technical expertise.”

Chief Executive of the Korea Maritime Cooperation Center (KMC), Hong Sun-bae, emphasised that “the strategic partnership between the shipping industry and the logistics sector has become more important than ever in this era of climate-friendly economic transition.”

The 2nd Forum on the Commercialisation of Biofuels for Maritime Vessels, hosted by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and co-organized by UPA and KMC, drew around 300 key stakeholders from across the shipping, energy, terminal, shipbuilding, and finance sectors.

The event underscored the increasing urgency of eco-friendly fuel adoption, following the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s approval of mid-term greenhouse gas reduction measures.

Expert sessions featured actionable insights and market intelligence from key players in the maritime and energy sectors:

Key outcomes from the 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC83) by Team Leader Dae-jung Hwang of KMC
Biofuel utilisation and demonstration cases by Manager Dae-sik Seo of HMM
Current usage status and challenges of B100 biofuel by Manager Min-guk Jang of G-Marine Service
Market outlook for marine biofuels by Chief Surveyor Jae-hoon Lim of DNV
Case studies of biofuel applications for marine engines by Team Leader Jae-yup Seo of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering
Global marine biofuel market trends and bunkering developments by Senior Manager Yul-kyung Hong of Hyundai Fuels

Photo credit: Ulsan Port Authority
Published: 25 April, 2025

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Milestone

Singapore: Equatorial conducts its first bio-blended LSMGO bunker fuel delivery of 2025

Several key challenges including product sourcing, sustainability certification, product handling, and logistics & planning had to be addressed to execute the complex operation, notes COO of Equatorial.

Published

25 minutes ago

May 20, 2025

Admin

Singapore: Equatorial conducts its first bio-blended LSMGO bunker fuel delivery of 2025

Singapore bunker supplier Equatorial Marine Fuel Management Services Pte Ltd (Equatorial) in early May carried out its first bio-blended B24 Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO) bunker fuel delivery of 2025.

The milestone saw Equatorial’s Singapore-flagged 7,999 dwt IMO Type II bunker tanker EM Nikita delivering Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester (UCOME) based LSMGO, blended to B24 spec, to an Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) operated vessel with its electronic bunker delivery note (eBDN).

“This milestone represents not just Equatorial’s first B24 LSMGO delivery, but also a significant step forward for sustainable marine fuel adoption in Singapore,” Choong Sheen Mao, Chief Operating Officer at Equatorial, told Manifold Times.

“It showcases our capability to evolve alongside the market and our commitment to providing certified, traceable, and high-quality biofuels to our customers.”

According to So Kah Meng, Sustainable Energy Manager at Equatorial, several key challenges including product sourcing, sustainability certification, product handling, and logistics & planning had to be addressed to execute the complex operation.

“Bio-blended LSMGO is significantly rarer in the market than bio-blended VLSFO due to limited production capacity, stricter blending requirements, and limited downstream demand. Equatorial secured supply through advanced procurement planning and leveraging trusted ISCC-certified upstream partners,” he explained.

“ISCC EU certification was essential to ensure traceability and regulatory compliance. Equatorial worked closely with its supply chain to ensure full documentation and sustainability verification ahead of the delivery schedule.

“Unlike bio-VLSFO, bio-blended LSMGO’s lower viscosity and pour point demanded additional considerations in tank pre-treatment and temperature control during transfer. Equatorial implemented specialised cleaning protocols and temperature monitoring to maintain fuel integrity.

“Coordination between our UCOME supplier, storage facility, barge planning, and receiving vessel was critical. Equatorial’s in-house technical and commercial teams worked closely with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and classification societies to ensure regulatory compliance and operational safety.”

Moving forward, Patrick Ng, Assistant Marketing Manager at Equatorial, believed the milestone operation was made possible by the favourable commercial maritime landscape under the supervision of MPA.

“Singapore’s strong regulatory framework, established bunkering infrastructure, and growing customer interest in low-carbon fuels have made it possible for projects like this to be commercially viable,” he stated.

“Equatorial is proud to contribute to Singapore’s decarbonisation leadership.”

Photo credit: Equatorial Marine Fuel Management Services
Published: 20 May 2025

Biofuel

Cosco-controlled Piraeus Container Terminal offers biofuel bunkering services

PCT, a fully controlled subsidiary of Cosco Shipping Ports, has officially introduced biofuel bunkering services for vessels calling at the Port of Piraeus.

Published

22 hours ago

May 19, 2025

Admin

Cosco-controlled Piraeus Container Terminal offers biofuel bunkering services

Cosco Shipping Europe, the regional management company of China Cosco Shipping Corporation in the European Region, on Friday (16 May) said biofuel bunkering is now available at Piraeus Container Terminal (PCT) in Greece.

PCT, a fully controlled subsidiary of Cosco Shipping Ports, has officially introduced biofuel bunkering services for vessels calling at the Port of Piraeus – supporting customers in achieving greener, more sustainable supply chains.

After listening to customer needs, Cosco Shipping (Europe) said PCT swiftly moved into action to re-evaluate legal foundations for biofuel bunkering under ISO 8217:2024 and new Greek regulations.

It added that PCT also partnered with suppliers to provide full-service bunkering options.

Photo credit: Cosco Shipping Europe
Published: 19 May, 2025

Biofuel

Hong Kong: CPN hits new record for China’s largest B24 biofuel bunkering operation

Chimbusco Pan Nation delivered 6,300 mt of B24-VLSFO in Hong Kong to boxship “XIN LOS ANGELES” on 15 May, exceeding its previous record of 5,500 mt delivered in February 2025.

Published

4 days ago

May 16, 2025

Admin

Hong Kong: CPN hits new record for China's largest B24 biofuel bunkering operation

Hong Kong-based bunker supplier Chimbusco Pan Nation Petro-Chemical (CPN) on Friday (16 May) said it has set a record for China’s largest B24 marine biofuel bunkering operation.

CPN said it delivered 6,300 metric tonnes (mt) of B24-VLSFO in Hong Kong to container ship XIN LOS ANGELES on 15 May.

The supply exceeded CPN’s previous record of 5,500 mt delivered to the same ship in February 2025.

“This collaboration reinforces CPN’s ability to execute large-scale marine biofuel bunkering with precision and reliability,” the company said in a social media post.

“By consistently supplying large volumes of B24 marine biofuel, CPN supports reduced carbon emissions and sustainable shipping practices globally.”

Photo credit: Chimbusco Pan Nation Petro-Chemical
Published: 16 May, 2025