Athens, Greece | October 16, 2025 – In a landmark operation for Greece’s energy transition and maritime sector, Coral Marine, a member of the Motor Oil Group, has completed the first marine biofuel delivery by barge (ship-to-ship) at the Piraeus Container Terminal (PCT S.A.), operated by COSCO SHIPPING Ports Limited, supplying the XIN LIAN YUN GANG container vessel at the Port of Piraeus.
This pioneering bunkering marks the first commercial use of biofuels via barge in Greek waters—a significant evolution from Coral Marine’s earlier truck-based deliveries—and solidifies Piraeus as an emerging green fuel gateway in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“We are not just supplying marine fuel — we’re leading the Green Transition in the East Med,” shared Coral Marine. “This operation is a practical demonstration of how the energy transition is accelerating in real maritime operations. From local production to port delivery, this is a fully integrated, scalable, and compliant model for clean shipping.”
Table of Contents
A Milestone for Piraeus: Launch of Biofuel Bunkering Services
The Coral Marine delivery comes shortly after Piraeus Container Terminal S.A. (PCT) formally launched biofuel bunkering services in May 2025. With this move, COSCO’s terminal became the first in Greece to offer regulated, ISO-compliant biofuel bunkering operations—positioning the country’s busiest port as a strategic enabler of low-carbon shipping.
PCT’s decision to offer biofuel bunkering followed extensive consultations with shipping lines seeking compliant, sustainable fuel alternatives that support IMO decarbonization targets, CII improvement, and EU ETS cost management. The move reflects a broader pivot toward ESG-aligned services and strengthens PCT’s role as a climate-smart logistics hub connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The Delivery: A Scalable, Local, Low-Carbon Fuel Solution
The B24 marine biofuel blend supplied to the XIN LIAN YUN GANG consisted of:
- 24% advanced biofuel, produced locally in Greece by VERD S.A. from used cooking oils
- 76% fossil marine fuel, refined at Motor Oil’s high-complexity refinery in Corinth
This drop-in, low-carbon fuel delivers approximately 21% CO₂ emission reductions on a well-to-wake lifecycle basis and is fully compliant with ISO 8217:2024 marine fuel standards.
Delivered via bunker barge, the operation ensures high-volume, efficient, and safe supply—essential for container vessels operating on tight schedules and large fuel demands.
Strategic Collaboration: Innovation in Action
This first barge-based biofuel delivery was made possible through seamless coordination between:
- Coral Marine (Bunker supplier)
- Motor Oil Group (fossil fuel refining)
- VERD S.A. (second-generation biofuel producer)
- PCT S.A. (terminal operator)
- COSCO SHIPPING (vessel operator and global supply chain leader)
Each partner played a crucial role in navigating technical, regulatory, and logistical challenges—ensuring that the fuel not only meets environmental targets but also integrates smoothly into daily commercial operations.
Piraeus: A Green Maritime Energy Hub in the Making
With this successful delivery, the Port of Piraeus takes a decisive step toward becoming a regional green bunkering hub. The port’s strategic location at the crossroads of three continents, combined with expanding clean energy infrastructure, makes it a prime node for low-emission shipping corridors envisioned by the EU Green Deal and FuelEU Maritime initiatives.
PCT’s biofuel bunkering services include:
- Full compliance with ISO 8217:2024 and updated Greek environmental regulations
- Partnerships with certified bunker fuel suppliers like Coral Marine
- Integrated fuel handling and technical support for shipowners and charterers
For vessels calling at Piraeus, access to biofuels helps:
- Improve Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) scores
- Delay costly fleet replacements by making existing ships compliance-ready
- Enhance ESG performance across global shipping networks
The Broader Context: Biofuels as a Bridge to Net-Zero Shipping
As shipping races to decarbonize under increasing regulatory and market pressure, second-generation biofuels are emerging as a practical and immediate solution. Unlike first-generation fuels, which compete with food crops, fuels from waste oils—such as those produced by VERD S.A.—offer:
- Genuine lifecycle emission reductions
- No need for engine modifications
- Compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure
For shipowners navigating the green transition, biofuels offer a cost-effective path to compliance under frameworks like IMO 2023, the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), and FuelEU Maritime, without waiting for newbuilds or future zero-emission technologies.aritime, without waiting for newbuild zero-emission vessels or untested fuel technologies.
A New Standard for Shipping in the Eastern Mediterranean
With this first barge-based biofuel bunkering, Coral Marine and PCT have jointly set a new benchmark for sustainable maritime operations in the region. As global shipping lines seek scalable decarbonization pathways, Greece is stepping forward—not only as a fuel provider, but as a green logistics leader.
This is not just a bunker delivery—it’s a strategic signal that the green transition is accelerating, and that the Port of Piraeus is ready to lead it.
About the Partners
Motor Oil Group
Established in 1970, Motor Oil Group is one of the leading energy companies in Southeast Europe. The group operates a state-of-the-art refinery in Corinth and has significantly expanded its portfolio to include renewables, biofuels, and waste-to-energy initiatives. With a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability, Motor Oil is driving Greece’s transition to a lower-carbon future while supporting energy security across the region.
VERD S.A.
VERD S.A. is a renewable energy subsidiary of Motor Oil Group, specializing in the production of advanced (second-generation) biofuels from waste oils. Operating at the intersection of waste management and sustainable fuel production, VERD plays a crucial role in circular economy practices and the reduction of lifecycle emissions across multiple industries.
PCT S.A. (Piraeus Container Terminal)
A subsidiary of COSCO SHIPPING Ports, PCT S.A. operates one of Europe’s fastest-growing container terminals. With a focus on technology, efficiency, and sustainability, PCT has transformed Piraeus into a key East-West logistics hub—and now a leader in green port services.
Coral Marine
Coral Marine, part of the Motor Oil Group, is a leading supplier of marine fuels in the Eastern Mediterranean. The company offers a comprehensive suite of bunkering solutions, including low-sulfur fuels, ULSFO, marine gasoil, and now, biofuel blends, tailored to meet the evolving regulatory and operational needs of the shipping industry.
Through continuous innovation and a strong focus on environmental responsibility, Coral Marine is positioning itself as a key player in the green transition of maritime transport.
Source: Coral Marine