Varo partners with Orim Energy to provide marine biofuels in Northern Europe

Photo: Varo Energy

Varo Energy announced Feb. 21 that it is partnering with Orim Energy to provide shipping customers in the Port of Rotterdam—and wider Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp region—with marine biofuels.

The agreement supports the decarbonization of maritime transportation and inland shipping in Northern Europe.

It also contributes to the wider targets set by the International Maritime Organization to reduce the total annual greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions from shipping by at least 20 percent by 2030 and at least 70 percent by 2050, compared with 2008 levels.

Current demand for fuel oil in the ARA region, Europe’s largest bunkering hub, is approximately 14 million metric tons per year.

Supported by new EU regulations, the market for B30, a blend of 70 percent fuel oil and 30 percent biofuels, is expected to grow rapidly to the end of the decade.

As a result of this joint initiative, Varo and Orim will be well positioned to meet this increased demand and support the decarbonization plans of their shipping customers.

Varo’s significant biofuels-trading capabilities and growing biofuel-manufacturing asset base will complement Orim’s extensive distribution, storage and bunkering capabilities in ARA.

Under the agreement, Varo will source, produce and blend various waste and advanced bio feedstocks to high-quality bunker specifications.

Orim will source the fuel and gas oils for blending and deliver the final biofuel blends to customers’ vessels.

Varo has a long track record of providing biofuels for maritime logistics.

Since 2018, the company has supplied the Port of Rotterdam with HVO100 (100 percent hydrotreated vegetable oil) for use with the port’s service fleet.

In 2023, Varo signed an agreement with Höegh Autoliners to supply the company with 100 percent advanced biofuels for its shipping fleet.

The partnership is aligned with Varo’s strategy to become the partner of choice for customers in the energy transition by providing them with the low-carbon energy solutions they need to decarbonize.

“Meeting rising demand for blended biofuels is critical to achieving the EU and IMO’s decarbonization targets for shipping,” said Dev Sanyal, CEO of Varo. “Our experience in biofuels, combined with Orim’s logistics and bunkering operations, will help meet this demand at Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port facility. I am delighted to be entering into a strategic partnership with Orim and to further build on Varo’s long-established presence in Rotterdam. This is another step in our journey to enable the decarbonization of the maritime sector.”

Edwin Coppens, the managing director of Orim, added, “Upcoming EU and IMO regulations drive the need to scale up with biofuels and ensure quality assurance going forward. Partnering with Varo allows us to do just that, using each other’s strengths to optimize our blending expertise and network. We will benefit from Varo’s extensive experience with biofuels, which includes joint testing with leading ship-engine suppliers. Together, we can increase our sourcing and supply capabilities, extending our reach and further strengthening our position in the ARA region.”

Biofuels, especially those derived from waste and advanced feedstocks, significantly reduce CO2 and other emissions, such as sulfur oxides.

Their production from organic materials, such as waste oils, contributes to reducing waste and efficient resource utilization.

With lower carbon intensity compared to conventional fossil fuels, biofuels release fewer carbon emissions per unit of energy, contributing to a cleaner and greener maritime industry.

Furthermore, biofuels are compatible with existing ship engines and infrastructure, facilitating a smooth transition to more sustainable fuel options without costly modifications, and they have a positive impact on air quality by emitting fewer pollutants that affect human health.