ROTTERDAM – 13 August 2025 – Dutch marine contractor Van Oord has completed its first-ever bunkering of Bio-LNG, fueling its trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) Vox Ariane while operating on the Elbe River in Germany. This operation marks a significant milestone not only for Van Oord’s decarbonization pathway but also for the broader role of certified biofuels in the maritime energy transition.
As the first marine contractor to have its climate goals validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), Van Oord is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable marine infrastructure, actively integrating alternative fuels, low-carbon technologies, and certified supply chains into its global operations.
Bio-LNG: A Tactical Fuel in a Strategic Shift
The fuel bunkered by Vox Ariane was Bio-LNG — a renewable, low-carbon alternative derived from sustainable biobased feedstocks, such as:
- Municipal organic waste
- Agricultural residues
- Other biodegradable waste streams
This first bunkering signals Van Oord’s operational shift toward climate-aligned fuels that can deliver meaningful CO₂ reductions, while remaining compatible with existing LNG-powered infrastructure.
Unlike synthetic e-fuels or emerging alternatives like ammonia, Bio-LNG functions as a drop-in fuel, making it ideal for early-stage transition without requiring capital-intensive retrofitting.
Driving Change: Van Oord Embraces Collaboration and Clean Fuels
“The successful bunkering of Bio-LNG by Vox Ariane is a significant milestone in our journey towards net-zero emissions. With our climate targets approved by the SBTi, we are leading the way in adopting more sustainable fuels and technologies,” said Martin Smouter, Director Dredging & Infra at Van Oord.
“In close collaboration with our clients and stakeholders, we continue to develop innovative and sustainable solutions in our projects worldwide.”
Certified for Compliance: ISCC EU Approval
The Bio-LNG used in this operation was verified under the ISCC EU certification scheme — a leading standard ensuring compliance with the European Union’s sustainability criteria for fuels, including:
- Full GHG reduction accounting
- Traceability across feedstock supply chains
- Compliance with the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III)
- Adherence to ecological and social safeguards
By using ISCC EU-certified fuel, Van Oord ensures its emissions reduction strategy aligns with not only EU regulation, but also the broader ESG expectations of infrastructure clients, financial stakeholders, and regulators.
Decarbonization in Action: From Targets to Technology
Van Oord’s decarbonization roadmap is underpinned by its SBTi-approved targets, which align with the Paris Agreement goal to limit warming to well below 1.5°C. Key pillars of this strategy include:
- Fleet modernization: Introducing energy-efficient vessels and transitioning to alternative fuels
- Zero-emission equipment: Investment in electric and hybrid construction technologies
- Sustainable supply chains: Engaging clients, subcontractors, and suppliers through its Sustainable Supply Chain Programme
Through these measures, Van Oord is evolving from a traditional dredging and marine construction firm to a climate-aligned marine solutions provider.
Biofuels in the Energy Transition
Van Oord’s move comes at a time when pressure on maritime operators to reduce lifecycle emissions is intensifying. From FuelEU Maritime to the forthcoming Mediterranean ECA and revised IMO GHG strategy, owners and contractors must demonstrate measurable emissions reductions — not just intent.
Bio-LNG is emerging as a key tactical fuel that enables:
- Immediate carbon intensity reduction
- Compatibility with existing LNG-fueled vessels
- Lower methane slip when used with updated engine technology
- Enhanced regulatory compliance, especially in EU-linked projects
While fuels like green ammonia or e-methanol remain in the pipeline, Bio-LNG offers a scalable and certifiable solution today — especially for project-based vessels like TSHDs, cable layers, or jack-ups that often operate in carbon-sensitive coastal environments.
About Van Oord
Van Oord is a leading international marine contractor specializing in dredging, marine construction, offshore wind, and infrastructure. Headquartered in Rotterdam, the company operates globally with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and collaborative project delivery. As the first marine contractor with SBTi-approved climate targets, Van Oord is actively reshaping the future of maritime operations through low-emission technology, alternative fuels, and sustainable partnerships.
Source Van Oord