Yantian Express bunkers biofuel in Barcelona

Hapag-Lloyd container ship, Yantian Express, has been supplied with biofuel in a bunkering process carried out by Gibraltar-based fuel supplier Peninsula, using its IMO II bunker tanker, Aalborg. The 7,506-TEU container vessel received 2,200 tonnes of B30 VLSFO, an ISCC EU-certified sustainable biofuel derived from used cooking oil.

The 3,522dwt bunkering tanker, Aalborg, was acquired by Peninsula earlier this year to boost its biofuel supply capability ahead of strict new FuelEU Maritime regulations due to enter force in Europe in a few months’ time.

The addition of the Aalborg to Peninsula’s bunkering setup in Barcelona enables more sustainable fuel to be supplied in the Western Mediterranean. The fuel company said that its close working relationship with the port authority and its  support for alternative fuels had led to more bio-blends being made available, as well as traditional fuels. 

The range of certified sustainable fuels will enable shipowners and operators to comply with FuelEU Maritime regulations from January. They will also provide benefits under the EU Emissions Trading System and improve individual ships’ carbon intensity indicator (CII) ratings.

Peninsula’s chief commercial officer, Victor Morales, commented: “We are proud to be offering a mix of conventional and alternative fuel solutions in the Port of Barcelona. We have recently seen good demand for biofuels, and are delighted to supply Hapag-Lloyd, who are taking positive action to reduce their GHG emissions. Peninsula is providing a broad range of solutions as we partner with forward-thinking shipping companies, like Hapag-Lloyd, on the road to net zero.”