Vitol Bunkers has announced the launch of a new FuelEU compliant co-processed Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) targeted at marine customers. This innovative fuel is being produced at Vitol’s Fujairah refinery, which has a capacity of 100,000 barrels per day dedicated to finished-grade bunker fuel. Over time, the co-processed VLSFO will be marketed in various locations by Vitol Bunkers.
This co-processed fuel meets the RMG380 VLSFO grade standards and offers the same chemical composition and quality as traditional fuels. As a result, it eliminates the necessity for extra permissions or specific clauses in charter party agreements. The co-processing method employed allows for the incorporation of a range of sustainable feedstocks into marine fuels, reducing competition with road transport, easing the pressure on crop-based feedstocks, and enhancing the potential for using waste and advanced feedstocks.
The co-processed VLSFO is certified under the ISCC-EU scheme, which imposes strict criteria including annual refinery audits and regular product specification checks. Notably, the carbon intensity of the sustainable portion of this fuel is aligned with that of used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME), resulting in over a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas intensity when compared to fossil-based alternatives. The compliance monitoring of these lower GHG intensity fuels with FuelEU Maritime regulations is conducted in partnership with DNV’s Emissions Connect product, which will verify fuel consumption through 2026.
Helge Hermundsgård, Head of Sales for Emission Connect at DNV, expressed enthusiasm about supporting Vitol in navigating the compliance challenges posed by FuelEU Maritime. Ian Butler, Vitol’s head of energy transition for shipping, stated that the introduction of FuelEU Maritime has spurred the company to expand its range of compliant fuels, reinforcing their commitment to innovation and customer convenience amid increasing regulatory complexities.