Vopak, a leading independent provider of storage and infrastructure solutions for liquids and gases, has successfully completed its first ISCC Certified B24 biofuel bunker supply operation at its Vopak Horizon Fujairah terminal in the UAE. This accomplishment is a key milestone in supporting the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy and represents a significant move toward advancing the maritime industry’s decarbonisation efforts.
The B24 bunker fuel supplied during this operation is a blend of 24% Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) with Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), a sustainable solution designed to reduce sulfur oxide emissions from ships. The blend contains significantly less sulfur than traditional fuels, contributing to cleaner air and helping vessels meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations. By focusing on reducing sulfur emissions, Vopak is making an important contribution to the global effort to combat air pollution in shipping.
A Milestone in the Decarbonisation of the Supply Chain
According to Law Say Huat, General Manager of Vopak Horizon Fujairah Limited, the successful biofuel bunker supply is “a significant step in the decarbonisation of the supply chain.” He also extended his gratitude to all the partners involved, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and operational excellence in achieving this accomplishment.
This success highlights the importance of partnerships in driving sustainable change. The cooperation between Vopak and its partners in the operation ensured the smooth and efficient supply of biofuels, marking a key achievement in the transition to greener fuels for the maritime sector.
Currently, Vopak boasts 32 terminals globally that are ISCC certified to store sustainable products, such as sustainable aviation fuel and biofuels. This certification ensures the highest sustainability standards, supporting Vopak’s long-term commitment to helping industries transition to cleaner energy solutions.
Vopak’s Role in Supporting the Global Energy Transition
As the global energy landscape evolves, the need for sustainable marine fuel solutions is becoming increasingly urgent. Vopak is playing a pivotal role in supporting this transition, particularly in the maritime sector. The development of infrastructure to store and distribute sustainable fuels, such as biofuels, is a critical part of the decarbonisation process.
Vopak’s efforts in expanding its biofuel storage and bunkering capabilities further solidify its position as a key player in the global energy transition. The company’s investments in sustainable fuel solutions, along with its focus on operational excellence and strategic partnerships, demonstrate its dedication to creating a more sustainable future for the energy and maritime industries.
Biofuels: A Greener Path for the Maritime Industry
Biofuels, especially those like FAME, are proving to be an essential part of the solution to the maritime industry’s decarbonisation challenges. By blending biofuels with VLSFO, companies like Vopak are providing ships with cleaner fuel alternatives that not only reduce sulfur emissions but also contribute to the overall reduction of greenhouse gases in the sector.
The ISCC certification of biofuels ensures that they are sustainably sourced and offer a genuine reduction in carbon emissions. For the maritime industry, this means that biofuels can play a key role in meeting international regulations, such as the IMO 2020 sulfur cap, while also contributing to long-term environmental goals. The increasing adoption of biofuels in bunkering is an exciting development in the drive for more sustainable shipping practices.
Fujairah: A Leading Bunkering Hub Supporting the UAE’s Energy Transition
Fujairah, located on the east coast of the UAE, has established itself as one of the world’s leading bunkering hubs. Its strategic position along major international shipping routes and its advanced port facilities make it a crucial player in the global fuel supply chain.
The UAE’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050 aligns perfectly with Fujairah’s continued development as a hub for sustainable bunkering. The UAE’s focus on transitioning to cleaner energy sources, such as biofuels, underscores the country’s leadership in driving sustainability in the maritime sector. With its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the UAE is positioning Fujairah as a central player in the global shift toward greener shipping practices, ensuring a more sustainable future for the industry.
Vopak’s successful biofuel bunker supply operation in Fujairah is just one example of how the UAE is leading the way in fostering innovation and sustainability in bunkering. As the global maritime industry continues to evolve, the role of hubs like Fujairah will become increasingly important in achieving decarbonisation targets and supporting the shift toward cleaner, more sustainable fuels.
About Royal Vopak
Royal Vopak is a leading independent provider of storage and infrastructure solutions for liquids and gases, with a global network of terminals supporting the flow of energy, chemicals, and edible oils. For more than 400 years, Vopak has been at the forefront of industry transformations, with a focus on safety, reliability, and efficiency.
Today, Vopak is applying its expertise to accelerate the energy transition, developing infrastructure solutions for hydrogen, ammonia, CO₂, and low-carbon fuels. The company is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam and is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Source Royal Vopak