Asia's first biofuel barge sets sail
Vitol Bunkers has acquired its first specialised bunker barge, the "Marine Future", in Singapore, enhancing its presence in Asia's growing biofuel bunker market. This IMO type 2 notation tanker can supply biofuel blends like B24, B30, and up to B100, in accordance with customer requirements.
Unlike current oil tankers limited to 25% biofuel blends, the "Marine Future" has no such restriction, allowing for 100% biofuel delivery. The 102.6 m vessel, built in China, has a 7,000 t biofuel capacity.
Biofuels are crucial for emission reduction in the shipping industry, with Singapore's biofuel sales reaching 520,000 t in 2023, a significant increase from the 140,000 t of 2022. Vitol Asia's head, Mike Muller, sees this as a step towards advancing Singapore's decarbonisation efforts, and adds that the vessel could be re-configured for methanol supply in the future. (pb)