A Growing Commitment to Biofuels
Commodities giant Cargill is steadily increasing the number of biofuels utilized by its shipping fleet, as reported by Jan Dieleman, head of the company’s shipping arm. Cargill is currently using around 30,000 mt to 35,000 mt of biofuel bunkering, with expectations for this number to rise significantly.
According to commodity price reporting agency SP Global Platts, Dieleman shared, “We are already doing a significant amount of biofuels. We are both a user and a producer of biofuels; we went a lot faster than many other people.”
Diverse Shipping Segments Adopt Biofuels
The 30,000-35,000 mt of marine biofuels supplied by Cargill has been allocated to its operated fleet of approximately 570 ships. These ships, as well as external customers, span various shipping segments. Waste-based fuels have been supplied at prominent ports, including Singapore with a B24 grade biofuel blending ratio of 24%, as well as Rotterdam and Amsterdam, where the B30 grade is more common.
Regarding the expected increase in biofuel bunkering this calendar year, Dieleman remarked, “I would be surprised if we are going to be much less than 50,000 mt.”
Securing Sustainable Fuel Supplies
Cargill’s bunker agent, Pure Marine Fuels, has sourced the biofuels from the company’s plant in Ghent, which boasts an annual production capacity of 400,000 mt of fatty acid methyl esters. Additionally, external producers have contributed to the sustainable fuel supply.
Looking to the future, Pure Marine aims to facilitate the availability of other eco-friendly marine fuels, such as methanol, which are currently in limited supply. Dieleman highlights the importance of embracing these innovative solutions to propel Cargill’s commitment to sustainable shipping practices.
An Industry Poised for Change
Cargill’s strides in boosting biofuel usage within its shipping fleet serve as a testament to the ongoing transformation within the shipping industry. As demand for renewable energy sources continues to grow, an increasing number of companies are expected to follow in Cargill’s footsteps. With sustainable practices becoming increasingly vital, the shipping sector is poised to make significant progress in reducing its carbon footprint and promoting a greener, more eco-conscious future.
