Verde Marine Energy (VME) has appointed industry veteran Steve Taylor as Director of UK Operations. Based at the strategic River Humber hub, Taylor will leverage the extensive synergies of the Vertom Group to scale VME’s physical bunkering presence and marine energy platform across the United Kingdom.
UNITED KINGDOM | February 25, 2026 – Verde Marine Energy (VME) has announced the appointment of industry veteran Steve Taylor as Director of UK Operations. This strategic leadership hire marks a definitive milestone in VME’s mission to scale its physical bunkering footprint and marine energy platform across the British Isles.
The Humber Hub: A Strategic Power Play
Operating from the Pristine ABP Port Office on the River Humber, Taylor is positioned at the epicenter of the UK’s most critical maritime corridor. The Humber region, famed for its high-volume trade and energy infrastructure, serves as the ideal launchpad for VME’s expanded operational footprint.
Taylor’s mandate is to bolster VME’s local presence by integrating it into the high-voltage ecosystem of the Vertom Group, specifically leveraging three key internal pillars:
- VertomCory: Aligning with the UK’s premier port agency and husbandry network to offer seamless port-to-bunker services.
- Mariflex: Tapping into specialized liquid cargo handling and technical pumping solutions to ensure operational excellence in fuel transfers.
- VME Rotterdam: Integrating UK growth with the established international physical supply network and ARA-region expertise of the Dutch parent group.
A Pivotal Moment for Expansion
Steve Taylor joins the VME leadership team at a definitive turning point for the North Sea energy sector. Bringing a wealth of specialized expertise in physical supply and a deep understanding of the UK’s regional maritime nuances, Taylor is set to serve as the architect of the company’s next growth phase.
His extensive background, characterized by long-standing industry relationships and a proven track record in physical operations, will be instrumental in fortifying VME’s regional presence. The primary objective under Taylor’s directorship is the aggressive scaling of VME’s UK operations, an initiative backed by the full weight, capital, and technical resources of the Vertom Group.
This appointment also streamlines the synergy between Verde Marine Energy B.V.’s flagship international network in Rotterdam and the burgeoning UK arm. By unifying Taylor’s localized market intelligence with the parent group’s operational “know-how” and established trading relationships, VME is poised to unlock significant supply chain efficiencies. This collaborative framework is designed to move VME beyond the role of a regional supplier, establishing it as a foundational pillar of the United Kingdom’s marine energy infrastructure.
Joe Tierney, Director of Verde Marine Energy B.V., Rotterdam, commented:
“I am very pleased to welcome Steve on board as Director of our UK operations. He is joining us at an excellent moment for the company, and I am very much looking forward to working alongside him, to further strengthen Verde Marine Energy’s presence in the UK.”
As the industry faces mounting pressure to decarbonize and improve transparency, particularly with the 2026 integration of the maritime sector into the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), the Taylor-led UK division will focus on delivering the precision and regulatory compliance that have become the hallmarks of the Verde Marine Energy brand.
Vertom Group in Brief
Headquartered in Rhoon, near Rotterdam, the Vertom Group is a premier global provider of integrated maritime solutions. With a legacy spanning over 50 years, the group has evolved from a local Dutch operator into one of Europe’s most diversified maritime powerhouses. Vertom is a recognized leader in the Short Sea Shipping sector, defined by its commitment to technical excellence and the “green” energy transition.
The group’s multi-disciplinary portfolio provides a seamless “under one roof” approach to global trade, including Shipping & Trading, Port Agencies, Specialized Maritime Services, and Liner Services.
Verde Marine Energy B.V. (VME)
Verde Marine Energy B.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Vertom Group, is a premium physical supplier specializing in high-specification marine fuels across the ARA region and Northwest Europe.
Core Pillars of Excellence:
- Waterborne Infrastructure: VME operates a state-of-the-art barge fleet, including the MTS Virage (3,180 DWT) and the MTS Valsinni (3,176 DWT), featuring heated tank systems for VLSFO alongside specialized MGO vessels.
- Regional Trucking & Logistics: An extensive road-tanker network across Northwest Europe utilizes top-tier equipment, including precision flowmeters, to ensure safety and accuracy in every “last-mile” delivery.
- Mass Flow Meter (MFM) Leadership: VME is a frontrunner in implementing Coriolis MFM technology, ensuring total transparency and fuel delivery precision in alignment with 2026 port mandates.
- The eBDN Advantage: Beyond hardware, VME is a frontrunner in digital bunkering. Following a successful landmark trial in late 2025, the company has transitioned to a fully paperless, automated eBDN workflow in the ARA Region.
Verde Marine Energy UK Ltd
The strategic British arm of the group, VME UK, bridges international Dutch expertise with localized physical supply. Operating from bases in Ipswich and the River Humber, the UK team is dedicated to scaling the company’s footprint and delivering “forward-thinking” energy solutions for the modern fleet.
Source: Verde Marine Energy