UAE-based biodiesel firm Neutral Fuels, GAC Bunker Fuels partner to reduce maritime carbon emissions

Martyn McMahon, global commercial manager of GAC Bunker Fuels, left, with Gary Hubbard, chief commercial officer of Neutral Fuels

GAC Bunker Fuels Ltd. has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with biodiesel producer Neutral Fuels to market its marine gasoil biodiesel blend specifically developed for shipping clients in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and India. The two will also work together to expand the number of supply points throughout the Middle East and Africa. “The partnership is a long-term joint commitment that will accelerate the decarbonization of a sector essential to global trade,” said Gary Hubbard, chief commercial officer of Neutral Fuels. “Deploying our net-zero biofuel in the maritime sector will play a key role in helping to achieve the new carbon emission reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organization. Adoption of cleaner biofuels is much quicker when we work in close collaboration with leading companies such as the GAC Group. It means that the whole sector can become part of the solution to climate change, rather than remaining part of the problem.” Marine gasoil (MGO) emits 3.22 metric tons of carbon dioxide and equivalents per metric ton, which can be significantly reduced by the blending of pure net-zero biofuel in varying increments. GAC cares about sustainability, as evidenced by the group joining the Global Maritime Forum’s Getting to Zero Coalition in March. A division of the GAC Group, GAC Bunker Fuels is making good progress on its drive to switch from oil-based marine fuels to fuels with a much smaller environmental impact, such as biofuels and LNG, and is well on track to achieve its carbon-zero target by 2030. “As a leader in our industry, we have a responsibility to do the right thing,” said Martyn McMahon, GAC Bunker Fuels’ global commercial manager. “We have to play our part in helping to achieve the United Nations’ sustainable development goal on climate action. Hence our commitment to adapt, reduce, and mitigate our activities’ negative impact on the environment and contribution to climate change.” Increasingly, shipping companies looking for cost-effective ways to meet their carbon emission reduction targets are relying on their suppliers to offer sustainable alternatives. “The quicker we adapt our thinking and behavior to reduce carbon emissions, the better for everyone,” McMahon added. “We want to work with like-minded partners and customers who share the same sustainability goals and passion as us.” GAC Bunker Fuels is the world’s only bunkering company with an integrated ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certification for bunker procurement.