Sunoil and BFT Tanker Logistics have reported positive early operational results from the inland barge Birjo II following its successful transition to 100% biodiesel (B100). Operating on Dutch waterways using Dutch-produced B100 from Sunoil, the vessel has exceeded expectations with smooth filter monitoring and stable day-to-day performance. This milestone demonstrates a practical and scalable pathway for European inland shipping to significantly reduce carbon emissions without requiring vessel or engine replacements.
Emmen, The Netherlands | August 20, 2026 – European biofuel producer Sunoil and BFT Tanker Logistics have confirmed strong early operational performance following the successful transition of the inland bunker and transport barge Birjo II to 100% biodiesel (B100).
The vessel, owned by DK Shipping and operating primarily on Dutch inland waterways, was converted earlier this year to run entirely on B100 without requiring a full engine replacement. Day-to-day operations are now proving that existing inland shipping assets can seamlessly utilize high-blend renewable fuels while achieving up to a 90% reduction in CO₂ emissions.
Exceeding Early Expectations in Daily Operations
Operating along key distribution routes, carrying biofuels from Sunoil’s production facility in Kampen to regional storage nodes and direct customers, the Birjo II has delivered reliability and stability under active commercial workloads.
“So far, everything is running quite well. The filter system is being monitored closely and, at this stage, the results are better than we had anticipated,” says Johann de Koning, General Manager at BFT Tanker Logistics.
Engineered to handle pure waste-derived biodiesel, the vessel showcases how integrated supply chains can function entirely on renewable energy. Bunkered directly from Sunoil’s Kampen plant, the barge closes the loop by using its own cargo fuel to transport subsequent batches of renewable products.
“This milestone marks an important next step for Sunoil and BFT,” notes Jeroen Hovius, Chief Commercial Officer at Sunoil. “The barge is now successfully running on our own Dutch-produced Sunoil B100 while transporting biodiesel between our locations and customers, putting renewable fuel into practice in day-to-day inland shipping operations.”
Scaling Up Sustainable Inland Transport
The success of the Birjo II project serves as a blueprint for the wider European inland waterway sector. By proving that traditional engines can adapt to B100 operations with careful filtration monitoring and minor system adjustments, Sunoil and BFT are laying the groundwork to scale similar vessel conversions across Europe, offering a pragmatic and immediate pathway toward maritime decarbonization.
About the Companies
Sunoil Biodiesel
Sunoil Biodiesel is a leading European producer and supplier of high-grade, sustainable biofuels, operating advanced production facilities and logistics hubs in Emmen and Kampen, Netherlands, alongside a strategic trading office in Amsterdam. Driven by a core commitment to practical innovation, the company leverages an in-house R&D laboratory and direct harbor access to ensure high logistic flexibility and efficiency. Sunoil employs over 60 people and utilizes a robust network of external experts to supply its premium biodiesel via direct and indirect channels to customers across the Netherlands, Scandinavia, the UK, and Western, Northern, and Southern Europe.
Bruinsma Freriks Transport – BFT Tanker Logistics
Established in 2000, Bruinsma Freriks Transport – BFT Tanker Logistics, specializes in the flexible and economical transport of liquid mineral oil and bio-based products via inland waterways. Operating a diverse, modern fleet of single- and double-hulled barges across various sizes, BFT primarily services the vital Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) bunkering hub, alongside all reachable European waterway destinations. Beyond standard freight, the company actively collaborates on specialized logistics and optimization projects designed to streamline transport modalities and drive supply chain efficiency.
Source: BFT | SunOil