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US introduces new bill to increase bio bunker fuel use in ships 

Two U.S. Representatives introduced the “Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act,” that would allow firms to preserve RIN credits under RFS for renewable fuel used for ocean-going vessels.

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U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks and John Garamendi on Thursday (7 December) introduced the “Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act,” legislation that would allow companies to preserve RIN credits under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for renewable fuel used for ocean-going vessels.

“Ocean-going cargo ships, tankers, and passenger vessels have a need for low-carbon, low-sulphur biodiesel and renewable diesel which provides an additional market for biofuels,” said Miller-Meeks. 

“This legislation allows for RINs to be generated for renewable marine fuel without requiring an obligation on any parties. I thank my colleagues for supporting this legislation which opens the door for communities, like farmers in Iowa, to engage, and be involved, in the marine fuel industry and conversation.”

“Reducing emissions from cargo vessels and cruise ships means cleaner air and healthier communities near our ports and working waterfronts. I am thrilled to introduce this new, bipartisan bill with Representatives Miller-Meeks, Gimenez, and Budzinski to support the global maritime industry’s transition to cleaner, renewable fuels,” said Garamendi. 

“And that transition can start in California with the Bay Area’s skilled, union refinery workers I am honoured to represent in Congress who are ready, willing, and able to produce renewable biofuel for ocean-going vessels.”  

“This legislation will help expand the use of biomass-based diesel in oceangoing vessels, which makes biofuels a low-cost, home-grown solution for the air, land and sea,” said Monte Shaw, Executive Director of Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). “IRFA members thank Rep. Miller-Meeks for pushing creative solutions that drive demand for biofuels while enhancing energy security, reducing emissions and supporting family farmers.”

“We applaud Rep. Miller-Meeks for taking a leadership role in making this important, common-sense fix to the RFS,” said Grant Kimberley, Executive Director of Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB). 

“The commitments to decarbonising the transportation sector are the strongest we’ve ever seen, and that includes the marine industry. We all have an interest in encouraging ocean-going vessels to reduce the marine industry’s greenhouse gas impact through the use of biodiesel.”   

“By some estimates, sustainable marine fuel is poised to cross 325 billion dollars by 2036, and it’s in everyone’s interest that soybean farmers and biodiesel producers capture some of that the value,” said Suzanne Shirbroun, Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) President and a soybean farmer from Farmersburg, Iowa. 

“When farmers participate in the energy market through greater demand for soybean oil, the farm economy becomes diversified and stronger. We thank Rep. Miller-Meeks for having the foresight to encourage the blue-water marine fleet to use biodiesel in its fuel, which will reduce GHG emissions and improve air quality around ports while strengthening the farm economy.”  

“International shipping companies and cruise lines are increasingly seeking low-carbon biodiesel and renewable diesel to meet climate goals and consumer demand,” said Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs for Clean Fuels. 

“This commonsense legislation will remove a regulatory roadblock and enable biodiesel and renewable diesel producers to meet the low-carbon fuel needs of shipping companies at a competitive price. It will allow refiners and blenders to keep RINs for fuel used in ocean-going vessels that are currently being sacrificed.”

Photo credit: Shaah Shahidh on Unsplash
Published: 11 December, 2023

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GREENMARINE and Vertoro to accelerate adoption of lignin-alcohol as marine fuel

Like fossil oil, liquid lignin can be used as a platform for fuel, chemical and material applications.

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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

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UK: Greenergy proposes to end biodiesel production at its Immingham plant

Despite significant cost reductions to improve the plant’s viability, the Immingham plant has continued to be negatively impacted by market factors.

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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

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Singapore: Sea Oil Petroleum receives ISCC EU certification, mulls increasing product portfolio

‘Sea Oil seeks to do its part for climate change by giving options to support to our end users,’ says Steve Goh, Head of Trading.

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Singapore-based bunker trading firm Sea Oil Petroleum Pte Ltd (Sea Oil), a wholly owned subsidiary of Thailand-listed Sea Oil Public Company Limited, has received International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) EU certification, learned Manifold Times.

ISCC EU is a certification scheme that verifies compliance with the sustainability criteria for biofuels and bioliquids within the European Union. It ensures that biomass and biofuels used in the EU meet specific environmental and social requirements, including greenhouse gas emission reductions and traceability throughout the supply chain.

The milestone, which took place on 22 May after two months of processing, was reflective of the company’s aim to expand its bunker fuel product offerings to clients seeking sustainable solutions, Steve Goh, Head of Trading at Sea Oil, told the bunkering publication.

“It is important for the bunkering sector to remain relevant, adapt, and play an active role in supporting shipping’s decarbonisation journey,” said Mr Goh while adding that, “this is in line with our group’s green initiative and sustainability drive.”

“As such, Sea Oil seeks to do its part for climate change by giving options to support to our end users.

“By achieving ISCC EU certification, Sea Oil will be in a better position to provide green marine fuel solutions to customers embarking on this journey towards net zero.”

Manifold Times in May reported Sea Oil welcoming a Senior Bunker Trader to its team.

The company started 2025 with an expanded team on both international and local fronts.

Sea Oil Petroleum may be reached at: [email protected]

Related: Singapore: Sea Oil Petroleum boosts Asia and international presence with new Senior Bunker Trader
Related: Singapore: Sea Oil Petroleum enters 2025 with international representatives, expanded team

 

Photo credit: Sea Oil Petroleum
Published: 10 July 2025

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