Hafnia Bunker Alliance moves ahead with sustainable biofuel bunkering

Photo: GoodFuels

Hafnia Bunkers announced Jan. 31 steps forward in advancing sustainable marine fuel solutions through its strategic collaboration via the Hafnia Bunker Alliance with member Unigas and GoodFuels supplier FincoEnergies—a collaboration Hafnia Bunkers characterized as “revolutionizing the way vessels are being fueled.”

Throughout 2023, the Hafnia Bunker Alliance facilitated seven deliveries of biofuels for the Unigas fleet.

These deliveries spanned several types of biofuels and blends, ranging from B30 to B100, highlighting the versatility and potential of biobased alternatives in the maritime sector.

Unigas, a prominent member of the Hafnia Bunker Alliance, has stemmed various products and quantities to trial biofuel consumption across its fleet.

“Through our own Wake initiative, Unigas has committed itself to go beyond minimal environmental requirements and reduce the emissions of our onwards operations,” said Gerben Dekker, chief technical officer at Unigas. “Navigating a course to a sustainable shipping model, sustainable biofuels will be one of the enablers to drive the reduction of our emissions and thereby the emissions of our customers. Before being able to consider biofuels suitable for a fleet-wide roll out, different GoodFuels products have been successfully trialed as we have run tests across different vessels in the Unigas fleet. Onboard and ashore experiences throughout the trials have been positive and point towards a larger share of biofuels being suitable for replacing conventional fuels going forward.”

Dekker added, “Our collaboration with the Hafnia Bunker Alliance has been instrumental in driving our sustainability transformation with their transparency on pricing, close advisory and partnership in dealings with the GoodFuels team.”

Hafnia Bunkers said its partnership with FincoEnergies has also been pivotal in ensuring a smooth and efficient bunkering process.

The operation’s efficiency along with the high quality of GoodFuels’ biofuels have set a benchmark in sustainable bunkering practices, Hafnia Bunkers stated.

“At a time of transformation in the maritime industry, the Hafnia Bunker Alliance remains committed in its mission to promote sustainable initiatives,” said Peter Grunwaldt, the head of bunkers at Hafnia Bunkers who represents the Hafnia Bunker Alliance. “We are not only prepared to service our existing members but also extend our expertise and resources to potential new members, fostering a collaborative ecosystem for a sustainable future.”

FincoEnergies, the company behind GoodFuels and trusted supplier for these initiatives, expressed optimism and enthusiasm for the future of sustainable fuels.

“In our collaboration with the Hafnia Bunker Alliance and Unigas, we have found an ambitious decarbonization partnership,” said Johannes Schürmann, FincoEnergies’ commercial director. “We are happy to see that our fuel quality, service level and flexibility have lived up to expectations. Especially given the boundaries that Hafnia and Unigas are pushing. The results of these trials further prove the effectiveness of sustainable marine biofuels as a key transition fuel for the coming years.”

Hafnia Bunkers noted that it is actively engaged in multiple green-fuel working groups, demonstrating its commitment to the green transition.

The company is currently in discussions with various suppliers to explore and secure future sources of biofuel and other alternative fuels.

“This proactive approach positions Hafnia to be well-prepared for the evolving landscape of sustainable energy sources,” Hafnia Bunkers stated.