Bunker Holding’s physical supply unit, Bunker One, a leading provider of marine fuels and lubricants, has announced the launch of its physical LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) bunker supply service in northwestern Europe, set to commence in January 2025. This strategic expansion aims to enhance Bunker One’s current portfolio, which already includes alternative fuels, by adding physical LNG and mass-balanced LBM (Liquefied Biomethane) to its offerings.
To manage this new LNG fuel portfolio, Bunker One has established Bunker One LNG BV, which will oversee last-mile delivery and other operational aspects of LNG bunker supply. The entity will be led by Managing Director Michael Behmerburg, whose extensive experience is expected to be instrumental in guiding the company through the ongoing transition in the energy sector.
Peter Zachariassen, CEO of Bunker One, expressed enthusiasm about Behmerburg’s appointment, noting, “Michael brings a wealth of experience that is important for us to navigate properly in the upcoming transition.”
Bunker One LNG has secured a charter for the 10,000 cbm LNG bunker vessel, Coral Fraseri, and is currently collaborating with the vessel’s owner, Anthony Veder, to prepare it for operations. The Coral Fraseri is set to undergo regular class renewal at the end of 2024, during which modifications will be made to enhance its capabilities as an LNG bunker vessel.
Michael Behmerburg, MD of Bunker One LNG BV stated, “The purpose of the modification is to prepare the vessel for best-in-class service to the majority of seagoing vessels, including tankers, container ships, and car carriers.”
As part of its operational preparations, Bunker One LNG BV is in the process of securing bunker permits for key ports in northwestern Europe, positioning the company to meet the growing demand for cleaner marine fuels in the region.
Valerie Ahrens, Senior Director of New Fuels and Carbon Markets at Bunker Holding, highlighted the significance of this initiative in the broader context of the shipping industry’s transition to a multi-fuel future. “We are very excited about this move to include the physical supply of LNG and LBM as part of Bunker Holding’s fuel offering. Fossil LNG can offer up to 23% in greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions compared to conventional fuels, thus accompanying shipping’s transition to a multi-fuel future. We regard LNG as a steppingstone to bio-LNG and e-LNG, which will help the industry achieve the mid-century decarbonisation targets set by the IMO,” Ahrens explained.
Bunker One in Brief
Bunker One, the physical supply unit of Bunker Holding Group, is renowned as one of the world’s leading physical suppliers of marine fuels and lubricants, boasting a rich history that dates back more than four decades to one of the oldest shipping companies in Denmark. With a global footprint spanning five regions—North America, South America, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Asia—Bunker One provides reliable and flexible supply solutions through its extensive network of offices and local expertise.
Bunker One is committed to making the bunkering process straightforward and transparent, offering world-class risk management services and striving to exceed customer expectations. Operating 24/7/365, the company prioritizes building long-lasting business relationships founded on integrity, respect, and trust, supported by a team of 79 experts in selected ports around the world.
About Bunker Holding Group
Bunker Holding Group is the global leader in purchasing, selling, and supplying marine fuel and lubricating oil. With a presence in over 1,591 ports worldwide and a workforce of more than 1,500 skilled employees across 60 offices in 30 countries, the group is focused on facilitating the decarbonization of the shipping industry. Bunker Holding continues to innovate and adapt, meeting the evolving needs of the maritime sector while remaining committed to sustainable practices.
Source Bunker Holding Group