TotalEnergies Marine Fuels has supplied its first B100 biofuel bunker in Singapore, marking significant expansion of its low-carbon fuels offering in support of global shipping’s decarbonisation goals.
The energy giant used an IMO Type II chemical bunker tanker, Maple, owned by Global Energy Group, to transfer 700 metric tons of 100% Used Cooking Oil Methyl Ester (UCOME-based) biofuel to a Pure Car and Truck Carrier, Glovis Cosmos, owned by Hyundai Glovis.
TotalEnergies said in a statement that the UCOME biodiesel was a second-generation, waste-based fuel sourced in Southeast Asia. It is supplied as part of a circular economy approach that minuses competition with arable land and is certified under the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification system.
Globally, TotalEnergies Marine Fuels’ previous biofuel bunkering operations delivered VLSFO (Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil) blended with UCOME-based biofuel of up to 30%. This is the first time that the entire quantity supplied was made up of biofuel, with the potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80% to 90% on a well-to-wake basis.
The company’s senior vice president, aviation and marine fuels, Louise Tricoire, said she was pleased that the company’s first 100% biofuel bunker had been delivered safely and smoothly.
“The operation reinforces our commitment to supporting the shipping industry’s decarbonisation ambitions. We will continue to innovate and find sustainable low-carbon solutions for the shipping industry, which is navigating fast-changing market and regulatory conditions,” Tricoire said.
An Electronic Bunker Delivery Note was issued for the delivery. TotalEnergies Marine Fuels has digitalised its bunker delivery reporting system since the start of the year to optimise operations and make them safer.
The company first supplied biofuel bunkers in Singapore in March 2022, and at the start of 2023 launched its commercial biofuel bunker solution to serve this leading bunker hub.
The marine fuels business entity of TotalEnergies has also performed biofuel pilot trials in collaboration with the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonization and is testing advanced biofuel blends through TotalEnergies’ Research and Development Centre in France.
Beyond Singapore, it has also conducted biofuel bunker trials in France and in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp region.