Ceuta, Spain | January 06, 2025 -In a move that signals a new era for the Mediterranean bunkering landscape, Vilma Oil Med, the Spanish bunkering arm of TFG Marine, has announced a massive expansion of its physical supply operations at the Port of Ceuta. This infrastructure surge is designed to cement Ceuta’s status as a high-tech refueling hub, strategically positioned to capture a larger share of the 115,000+ vessel transits through the Strait of Gibraltar.
As the maritime industry faces the 100% phase-in of EU ETS carbon costs in 2026, Vilma Oil Med and TFG Marine are providing a decisive response. By scaling shore-side storage and debuting next-generation biofuel capabilities, the partners are offering shipowners a vital lifeline to meet both conventional and sustainable fuel demands under the world’s most stringent environmental regulations.
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Re-Engineering the Bunkering Infrastructure
The scale of this expansion redefines “full service” in the Mediterranean. Key technical advancements include:
- Significant Storage Expansion: Vilma Oil Med has increased its shore-side storage to approximately 120,000 cbm (up from 84,000 cbm). This reserve ensures a reliable supply chain, allowing the port to handle high-volume orders without delay during peak traffic.
- Broadened Product Portfolio: The expansion introduces a full range of marine fuels, including HSFO for scrubber-equipped vessels, VLSFO, and MGO, all meeting the latest ISO 8217 standards.
- The B100 Biofuel Revolution: In a bold move toward decarbonization, the facility now offers biofuel blends up to B100. This provides an immediate “drop-in” solution for shipowners to reduce carbon intensity and comply with FuelEU Maritime mandates.
- New IMO II Chemical Tanker: To support the B100 offering, a specialized IMO II chemical tanker has been integrated into the Ceuta fleet. This vessel provides the advanced safety and cargo segregation required for high-concentration biofuels that standard barges cannot handle.
- Modernized Pipeline Infrastructure: Efficiency is driven by enhanced ex-pipe delivery capabilities. This modernized network ensures faster flow rates and reduced turnaround times for vessels berthed at the terminal, bypassing the need for barge logistics for alongside deliveries.
A Commitment to Transparency and Accuracy
In line with TFG Marine’s global standards and the Port of Ceuta’s 2025 MFM mandate, all operations utilize Mass Flow Meter (MFM) systems. These systems are fully calibrated and ISO 22192 certified, ensuring deliveries are measured with the highest precision.
The use of MFM technology is a cornerstone of TFG Marine’s mission to eliminate manual measurement inaccuracies (the “cappuccino effect”) and provide shipowners with verifiable, real-time data for every metric ton delivered.
Strategic Regional Impact
“We are pleased to grow our offering in the region and remain committed to continued investment in Ceuta,” said Ernesto Fernandez-Maquieira, Director of Vilma Oil Med. “We recognise its strategic importance in the Strait of Gibraltar and are working closely with our partners to support its development as a competitive and innovative bunkering destination.”
Nestled at the northern tip of Africa, the Port of Ceuta offers a “triple threat” to shipowners: tax-free bunkering, zero-duty advantages, and a geographical position that requires zero deviation from the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
The Partnership: Local Agility Meets Global Might
Vilma Oil Med: The Local Titan
For 18 years, Vilma Oil Med has been the boots on the ground in Ceuta. Delivering over 1,500 vessel supplies every year, they have perfected the art of the “Mediterranean turnaround.” Now, backed by the global might of TFG Marine, they are combining local agility with world-class supply chain security.
TFG Marine: The Global Architect
Born from a powerhouse alliance between Trafigura, Frontline, and Golden Ocean, TFG Marine is a giant that moves with the speed of a startup. Supplying over 10 million metric tonnes of fuel globally, they are the industry’s most vocal advocates for digitalization. Their mission in Ceuta is clear: to take a historic port and equip it with the 21st-century technology needed to lead the global energy transition.
Source: TFG Marine | Vilma Oil Med