In a groundbreaking move that signals a seismic shift in maritime fuel innovation, Swedish shipping giant Furetank has successfully completed its first bunkering of ISCC-certified bio-LNG. This milestone not only marks a significant step toward meeting stringent EU environmental regulations but also paves the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future in global shipping.
A Maritime Milestone: Bio-LNG Hits the High Seas
Furetank’s historic operation took place off the coast of Mongstad, Norway, where 200 tonnes of bio-LNG were delivered to the tanker vessel Fure Vingen. This achievement was made possible through a collaboration with LNG supplier Molgas and environmental commodity trader STX Group. Notably, this marks the first time Molgas has delivered a mass-balanced bio-LNG bunker to a maritime customer in Norway, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
Bio-LNG, a renewable fuel derived from biomethane, is produced through a mass-balancing process. Certified biomethane is injected into the gas grid, and an equivalent amount of gas is withdrawn and liquefied for maritime use. This innovative approach bypasses the challenges of limited biomethane supply and infrastructure, offering a scalable solution for the shipping industry’s transition to cleaner energy.
Fueling the Future: Compliance and Innovation
The delivery aligns with the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation, which mandates a 2% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity for marine fuels by 2025. By adopting bio-LNG, Furetank is not only meeting regulatory requirements but also leading the charge in reducing emissions. The company’s CEO, Björn Stignor, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “This transaction marks a milestone in our transition to clean fuels, while also supporting European agriculture and biogas production.”
STX Group echoed this sentiment, describing the operation as a harbinger of a new fuel market. “Bio-LNG is an efficient answer to FuelEU Maritime,” said Sead Keric, Managing Partner of Renewable Gas at STX Group. “It builds a business case for renewable fuels and proves how Bio-LNG can be a powerful tool in lowering emissions from the transport sector.”
The Vinga Series: A Fleet Built for Sustainability
Furetank’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond fuel innovation. The company is currently upgrading its fleet with a series of dual-fuel Vinga product tankers, designed to meet the growing demand for biofuels and renewable feedstocks in Europe. These state-of-the-art vessels are equipped with dual-fuel capabilities, allowing them to run on LNG, LBG, or gasoil, and are fully compatible with shore power.
The Vinga series boasts a battery hybrid solution and cutting-edge features that significantly reduce fuel and energy consumption. This results in dramatically lower emissions of CO2, sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, and hazardous particles, making them ideal for the demanding trade routes of the North Sea and Scandinavia.
A New Era for Shipping
Furetank’s pioneering use of bio-LNG is more than just a compliance strategy—it’s a bold statement about the future of shipping. By embracing renewable fuels and innovative vessel design, the company is setting a new standard for the industry. As the maritime sector navigates the challenges of decarbonization, Furetank’s efforts serve as a beacon of progress, proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
