Global energy and commodities giant Vitol has announced the launch of a new FuelEU Maritime-compliant co-processed very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), in a landmark step aimed at offering shipowners and operators a sustainable and regulation-ready alternative to conventional marine fuels. The initiative is spearheaded by Vitol Bunkers, and the first successful bunkering using this new fuel took place on Vitol’s own vessel, the Elandra Falcon, at the company’s state-of-the-art refinery in Fujairah.
The fuel conforms to the RMG380 VLSFO specification, matching the chemical composition and operational qualities of conventional marine fuels. This means vessel operators can switch to the co-processed variant without altering charter party agreements or seeking additional approvals, providing a drop-in solution for compliance with the EU’s new maritime decarbonisation regulations.
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Sustainable Production and Certification
Produced at Vitol’s 100,000 barrels-per-day Fujairah refinery, which is dedicated to manufacturing finished-grade bunker fuels, the co-processed VLSFO is the result of blending sustainable feedstocks into the traditional refining process. These feedstocks include advanced waste-based materials, reducing reliance on crop-derived biofuels and sidestepping competition with road transport fuel production.
The production process is certified under the ISCC-EU sustainability scheme, which mandates rigorous auditing, including annual inspections and continuous product specification verification. The sustainable fraction of the fuel is comparable in carbon intensity to used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME), achieving a GHG reduction of more than 70% compared to fossil alternatives.
Regulatory Readiness Through Digital Monitoring
Vitol is partnering with DNV, a global leader in maritime classification and certification, to monitor and verify the GHG performance of the new fuel. Using DNV’s Emissions Connect platform, all usage data for co-processed and other sustainable fuels will be tracked and audited to ensure full compliance with FuelEU Maritime, which comes into force in 2026.
Helge Hermundsgård, Head of Sales for Emissions Connect at DNV, emphasized the importance of digital solutions for regulatory compliance, stating:
“DNV is pleased to support Vitol in addressing the compliance challenges of FuelEU Maritime through our Emissions Connect solution. Our platform helps shipowners and charterers manage emissions data effectively across fleets and generate verifiable emissions statements, ensuring readiness for the regulatory and commercial challenges ahead.”
Expanding Sustainable Fuel Offerings
The introduction of co-processed VLSFO is a strategic addition to Vitol’s broader portfolio of sustainable marine fuels, which already includes biofuel blends up to B100. This move highlights Vitol’s commitment to not just meeting but leading the charge in marine fuel innovation under the pressure of tightening environmental regulations.
Ian Butler, Head of Energy Transition for Shipping at Vitol, commented:
“With the recent introduction of FuelEU Maritime, we are excited to expand our range of compliant fuels for customers, adding co-processed VLSFO to our current range of biofuel blends. As regulatory complexity increases, we continue to innovate – bringing products to market that help our customers comply in the most efficient and convenient way for them.”
Market Availability and Outlook
While initially launched at Fujairah, Vitol has plans to roll out this FuelEU-compliant co-processed VLSFO across other key bunkering hubs worldwide, further reinforcing its global supply capabilities and support for the maritime sector’s decarbonisation efforts.
For ship operators navigating the evolving fuel compliance landscape, Vitol’s new offering presents a turnkey solution: a high-quality, regulation-aligned fuel with minimal operational disruption. As the countdown to the FuelEU Maritime 2026 compliance deadline continues, offerings like this could become critical for future-proofing fleets and maintaining charter competitiveness.
Vitol Bunkers: Powering the Maritime Sector Toward a Low-Carbon Future
As the shipping industry faces growing pressure to decarbonize in line with global and regional net zero targets, Vitol Bunkers is positioning itself at the forefront of the energy transition, offering a robust portfolio of low-carbon and compliant marine fuels backed by global scale, strategic assets, and stringent quality control.
Global Reach and Strategic Hubs
Vitol Bunkers delivers global bunkering services across a wide network of major maritime hubs, including:
- Australia
- China
- Singapore
- Arab Gulf
- Europe
- South Africa
- The Caribbean
- United States
These operations are supported by Vitol-owned infrastructure, enabling the company to deliver both short-term and long-term decarbonisation solutions with consistency and flexibility.
Decarbonisation Solutions for Modern Shipping
In response to increasing demand from shipowners seeking to mitigate their carbon footprint, Vitol Bunkers offers an expanding suite of bespoke decarbonisation options, including:
- On-the-spot decarbonisation solutions
- Biofuel blends (including up to B100)
- FuelEU-compliant fuels, such as recently launched co-processed VLSFO
This tailored approach ensures compliance with evolving regulations like FuelEU Maritime, while also supporting the commercial and environmental goals of the company’s marine clients.
Commitment to Quality and Compliance
Vitol Bunkers operates under a strict framework of Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) regulations and maintains rigorous quality assurance protocols. All fuels supplied are tested by independent laboratories to ensure compliance with precise specifications, giving customers peace of mind regarding fuel performance and reliability.
Innovation Through Integration
The company’s ability to innovate is bolstered by its ownership of strategic assets, including refineries and storage facilities, allowing Vitol Bunkers to control the supply chain and introduce advanced marine fuel solutions as global standards evolve.
By working closely with customers and understanding local market requirements, Vitol Bunkers continues to develop tailored, regionally responsive fuel strategies—helping to ensure that its customers remain compliant, competitive, and environmentally aligned.
About Vitol
Vitol, a pioneering force in the energy sector, boasts a formidable presence across the entire energy spectrum, encompassing oil, power, renewables, and carbon credits. With operations spanning sourcing, distribution, and risk management, Vitol plays a crucial role in the global energy landscape.
With a daily trade volume exceeding 7 million barrels of crude oil and products, coupled with the chartering of approximately 6,200 ship voyages annually, Vitol’s global footprint is testament to its commitment to adding value across the entire energy supply chain. Operating from over 40 offices worldwide, Vitol remains at the forefront of innovation, driving sustainable practices and shaping the future of energy distribution.
Source Vitol