Burando Energies expands its North-West Europe fleet with the MTS ODYSSEE. The 4,050 m³ estuary barge will supply biofuels and green methanol in the Port of Zeebrugge to meet rising demand for sustainable marine fuels.
Zeebrugge | March 4, 2026 – Aiming to lead the alternative fuels transition in North-West Europe, Burando Energies is expanding its operational reach into the Port of Zeebrugge. The company has secured the estuary barge MTS ODYSSEE under a time charter agreement to serve this critical maritime hub.
The move is a direct response to the evolving fuel mix in the ARA (Antwerp-Rotterdam-Amsterdam) and surrounding regions, specifically targeting the rising demand for Green Methanol and advanced Biofuels.
Strategic Fleet Augmentation
The MTS ODYSSEE, a modern vessel built in 2019, brings a total cargo capacity of 4,050 cubic meters to Burando’s fleet. As an estuary barge, it is uniquely suited for the North Sea coastal transit between major hubs, allowing Burando to bridge the gap between its existing ARA Region operations and the specialized requirements of the Zeebrugge maritime community.
The vessel is designed for versatility in a transitioning market:
- Biofuel Focus: Primarily deployed for the delivery of sustainable biofuels to support immediate decarbonization targets.
- Methanol Readiness: The vessel is fully equipped for methanol bunkering, a fuel that is seeing a surge in orderbook popularity for container and bulk segments.
Capitalizing on Zeebrugge’s Growth
By establishing a physical presence in Zeebrugge, Burando is positioning itself at one of the world’s most important LNG and energy hubs, which is now rapidly pivoting toward carbon-neutral fuels. The company noted that the decision was driven by “multiple customer requests” specifically for methanol delivery in this sector.
Felix Vertommen, General Manager of Burando Energies ARA, underscored the company’s proactive stance:
“We are incredibly proud to welcome MTS ODYSSEE into our fleet. This expansion reflects our ambition and our commitment to staying ahead of market developments. It enables us to directly respond to customer demand in Zeebrugge while supporting the transition toward biofuels and methanol.”
The Methanol Momentum
The entry into Zeebrugge with a methanol-ready barge is timely. As shipowners face tightening FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS regulations, the demand for localized “green” bunkering options is outstripping supply. Burando’s “forward-looking energy solutions” strategy aims to capture this niche before larger, more rigid suppliers can pivot.
Technical Snapshot: MTS ODYSSEE
- Year Built: 2019
- Cargo Capacity: 4,050 m³
- Fuel Types: Biofuels, Methanol, Conventional Marine Fuels
- Primary Port: Zeebrugge, Belgium
- Agreement Type: Time Charter
This latest addition underlines Burando’s broader strategic growth path, combining operational excellence with a readiness to handle the complex safety and logistical requirements of the new “Alternative Fuel” landscape.
About Burando Energies
Burando Energies is a cornerstone of the maritime energy landscape and a trusted leader dedicated to advancing the industry’s journey toward sustainability. As part of the Burando Atlantic Group, with over 50 years of maritime experience, Burando Energies offers comprehensive energy solutions, logistics, and environmental services. Their extensive fleet and strategic port facilities enable them to address complex challenges and support the critical transition to cleaner, more efficient shipping operations aligned with IMO regulations.
Source: Burando Energies