Piraeus Container Terminal (PCT S.A.), a subsidiary of COSCO SHIPPING Ports, has officially launched biofuel bunkering services at the Port of Piraeus — a strategic move that positions Greece’s largest port as a key player in the global transition toward cleaner marine fuels and greener logistics.
This new offering marks a major milestone in the port’s ongoing evolution into a sustainable maritime energy hub and reflects PCT’s commitment to enabling low-carbon shipping solutions for its customers. With biofuels emerging as one of the most viable short- to medium-term decarbonization options, the launch directly supports the global maritime sector’s push to meet IMO decarbonization targets and improve Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) scores for vessels calling at the port.
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A Swift Response to Industry Demand
The decision to roll out biofuel bunkering follows detailed consultation with shipping lines and stakeholders who have expressed growing demand for sustainable marine fuel alternatives. In response, PCT undertook a rapid yet thorough development process to enable safe and regulatory-compliant bunkering operations at the terminal.
Key steps included:
- A comprehensive re-evaluation of the legal framework for biofuel bunkering, ensuring compliance with ISO 8217:2024 standards and new Greek environmental regulations.
- Strategic collaboration with certified bunker fuel suppliers, enabling the provision of full-service biofuel bunkering, including supply, handling, and technical support.
This initiative strengthens PCT’s position as a forward-looking terminal operator that aligns its services with customer ESG strategies, supply chain resilience, and future regulatory compliance.
Piraeus as a Green Bunkering Hub
By introducing biofuel bunkering, Piraeus is now on track to become a regional green bunkering hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. The port’s strategic location, combined with world-class infrastructure and growing clean energy capabilities, makes it a natural gateway for sustainable shipping routes linking Europe, Asia, and Africa.
This move also complements broader efforts by Greece and the European Union to establish low-emission corridors and alternative fuel networks under initiatives such as FuelEU Maritime and the EU Green Deal.
For shipowners and charterers, the ability to bunker biofuels in Piraeus enhances voyage planning flexibility while providing a low-carbon fuel option that contributes to both environmental performance and future compliance cost savings under frameworks like the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).
The Role of Biofuels in Maritime Decarbonization
Biofuels are increasingly recognized as a drop-in solution for existing fleets, requiring minimal engine modifications while significantly reducing well-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions. Fuels such as biodiesel blends (e.g., B20 to B100) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) offer immediate emissions savings, helping vessels meet tightening regulatory benchmarks without waiting for next-generation ship designs or infrastructure.
PCT’s offering is especially impactful for ship operators looking to improve their vessels’ CII ratings, extend vessel life in a regulated market, and demonstrate climate leadership to cargo owners and investors.
About PCT S.A. (Piraeus Container Terminal)
Piraeus Container Terminal S.A. is a wholly owned subsidiary of COSCO SHIPPING Ports Ltd, a leading global terminal operator. Located at the heart of the Port of Piraeus, PCT manages the port’s container handling operations and plays a vital role in connecting East-West trade routes through the Mediterranean.
Since beginning operations in 2009, PCT has transformed Piraeus into one of Europe’s fastest-growing container hubs. The terminal is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and continuously invests in technology, digitalization, and sustainable solutions to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and deliver value-added services to global shipping lines and logistics operators.
About COSCO SHIPPING Group – COSCO Shipping Lines
COSCO Shipping Group, officially known as China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, is one of the world’s largest integrated shipping and logistics enterprises. while COSCO SHIPPING Lines is a key business unit of COSCO SHIPPING Group, established through the merger of COSCO Container Lines Co., Ltd. and China Shipping Container Lines CO., Ltd. in 2016. Headquartered in Shanghai, the company operates a vast global shipping network, with domestic branches in nine major Chinese ports and international offices across Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, West Asia, South America, Australia, Japan, Korea, and Africa.
As of July 2024, COSCO SHIPPING Lines owns and operates 403 container vessels with a total capacity of 2.3 million TEUs. Including its subsidiary Orient Overseas International, the fleet expands to 529 vessels with a total capacity of 3.2 million TEUs.
With 413 shipping routes, including 275 international routes, the company services 617 ports in 145 countries and regions. Employing 16,700 professionals worldwide, COSCO SHIPPING Lines remains a leader in innovation, efficiency, and sustainability within the global shipping industry.
Source COSCO SHIPPING Lines