Vitol’s Elandra Falcon has become the first vessel to bunker fuel at Fujairah, marking a significant milestone for Vitol Bunkers. The company is set to provide its customers with FuelEU compliant co-processed bunkering fuel, which is produced at Vitol’s refinery in Fujairah. This refinery has a capacity of 100,000 barrels per day (kbd) and produces finished-grade bunker fuel, with plans to market the product in multiple locations in the near future.
The co-processed fuel adheres to the RMG380 VLSFO grade and shares the same chemical composition and quality as conventional fuel, thereby eliminating the need for additional permissions or specific clauses in charter party agreements. By utilising co-processing, a diverse array of sustainable feedstocks can be incorporated into marine fuels, reducing competition with road transport, alleviating pressure on crop-based feedstocks, and enhancing the feasibility of waste-based and advanced feedstocks.
This co-processing has received certification under the ISCC-EU scheme, which mandates stringent criteria, including annual audits of the refinery and regular product specification checks. The carbon intensity of the sustainable component of the fuel aligns with used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME), achieving over a 70 percent reduction in greenhouse gas intensity (GHGi) compared to fossil-based alternatives. Compliance monitoring for lower GHG intensity fuels in line with FuelEU Maritime regulations is conducted in collaboration with DNV’s Emissions Connect product, which tracks the consumption of co-processed and other sustainable fuels for verification by 2026.
Helge Hermundsgård, head of sales for Emission Connect at DNV, expressed satisfaction in supporting Vitol with the compliance challenges posed by FuelEU Maritime through the Emissions Connect solution. He emphasized that this purpose-built system is designed to navigate regulatory complexities and assist customers in mitigating associated business risks. Emissions Connect facilitates consistent monitoring and management of emissions data from individual voyages to entire fleets, enabling seamless integration of data from various providers and the swift generation of necessary emissions statements. This capability allows maritime stakeholders, including Vitol, to prepare confidently for upcoming regulatory demands and commercial opportunities.
Ian Butler, head of energy transition for shipping at Vitol, shared enthusiasm for the recent introduction of FuelEU Maritime, highlighting the expansion of compliant fuel offerings for customers, which now includes co-processed VLSFO alongside biofuel blends up to B100. He remarked on the growing regulatory complexity and reaffirmed Vitol’s commitment to innovation, with a focus on delivering products that facilitate customer compliance efficiently and conveniently.
For more information visit www.vitol.com
