CEPSA, a key player in maritime energy supply in Spain, has taken another significant step toward maritime decarbonization by supplying second-generation (2G) biofuels to NYK Line‘s PCC Vessel Atlas Leader. This milestone was achieved using CEPSA’s Bahía Levante, the first diesel-electric hybrid barge in Europe, which operates using batteries and renewable diesel. The supply underscores Cepsa’s commitment to decarbonizing shipping and meeting the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 targets.
Capt. Samir Fernández, Director of Marine Fuel Solutions at CEPSA, said “The increasing demand for low-carbon fuels, driven by IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), the inclusion of shipping in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), and the forthcoming implementation of FuelEU Maritime in 2025, has created a strong push for sustainable solutions. Cepsa is leading the charge by offering a second-generation biofuel produced from ISCC EU certified raw materials, which can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional fuels over its entire lifecycle.”
Pioneering Bunkering with Hybrid Technology
The Bahía Levante hybrid barge played a pivotal role in minimizing the carbon footprint of this operation. CEPSA supplied 1,030 tons of B24 biofuel, produced from used cooking oils, to NYK Line’s Pure Car Carrier (PCC) Atlas Leader while the barge was powered by battery during port operations. Once sailing, the barge switched to using 100% renewable diesel (HVO) to supply the biofuel in the harbor. This operation highlights CEPSA’s innovative approach to reducing carbon emissions across the entire bunkering process.
The B24 biofuel blend, which contains 24% sustainable components, is expected to prevent the emission of approximately 3,000 tons of CO₂—equivalent to the environmental impact of planting around 200,000 trees. This operation also demonstrates how biofuels are becoming an essential part of helping shipping companies meet the European Union and IMO’s decarbonization targets.
Meeting IMO and EU Maritime Regulations
CEPSA’s supply of biofuels aligns with the IMO’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in maritime transport by 20% by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. At the same time, the European Commission’s “Fit for 55” package, which includes the “FuelEU Maritime” initiative, seeks to reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of maritime transport by 2% in 2025, 6% by 2030, and up to 80% by 2050 compared to 2020 levels. These targets are expected to accelerate the adoption of alternative fuels such as biofuels, green ammonia, and methanol, which will be crucial to the industry’s future.
The Path Forward for Sustainable Shipping
CEPSA’s commitment to second-generation biofuels is part of its broader “Positive Motion” 2030 strategy, aimed at leading sustainable mobility and decarbonizing the heavy transport sectors—including air, maritime, and land—through green molecules. By 2030, the company plans to become the leading producer of biofuels in Spain and Portugal, with an annual production capacity of 2.5 million tons. It also aims to produce green hydrogen equivalent to 2 GW annually as part of the Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley project, one of Europe’s largest green hydrogen initiatives.
This partnership with NYK Line and the innovative use of the Bahía Levante hybrid barge further solidifies CEPSA’s position as a leader in the maritime energy transition, showcasing its dedication to finding new, sustainable solutions that will drive the shipping industry toward a cleaner, greener future.
CEPSA in Brief
CEPSA is a leading international energy company with a robust commitment to sustainable mobility and energy, supported by over 90 years of technical expertise. The company excels in the global Chemicals sector, holding world-leading positions, and is guided by a progressive green plan.
In 2022, CEPSA unveiled its new 2030 strategy, “Positive Motion,” which outlines its ambition to lead in sustainable mobility, biofuels, and green hydrogen within Spain and Portugal. This strategy positions CEPSA as a key benchmark in the Energy Transition. Central to CEPSA’s mission is a customer-focused approach, working collaboratively to support and achieve their decarbonization goals.
CEPSA’s operations are driven by ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, with a goal to become Net Positive. The company aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions by 55% and Scope 3 emissions by 15-20% by 2030, with a target of achieving net zero emissions across all scopes by 2050.
Source Cepsa Marine Fuel Solutions