Dan-Bunkering completes Union Bulk’s first biofuel operation in Singapore

Press Mar. 18, 2025

Dan-Bunkering has completed Union Bulk’s first ever bunkering of biofuel in Singapore. The delivery was coordinated by Dan-Bunkering and executed via an STS operation delivering 300 MT of bio residual marine fuel (B24 VLSFO)

Leading global bunker supplier Dan-Bunkering has completed for their client, the Danish dry cargo owner and operator Union Bulk, their first ever bunkering of biofuel for their vessel Blue Union Alpha on March 9.

In continuing the coverage of international shipping routes with in-demand fuel types, the operation was coordinated by Dan-Bunkering. The company was on short notice able to assist with the necessary expertise and biofuel sourcing capabilities, ensuring an on-time delivery at the Port of Singapore ahead of Blue Union Alpha’s EU-bound voyage.

“Dan-Bunkering’s strength, in a case like this, comes from having spent a great amount time and resources in putting the necessary framework and biofuel supply team together, to support a first-time buyer like, in this case, Union Bulk. When we were called upon by Union Bulk for this task, we could jump into action immediately, schedule the delivery, and completed the ordering process with just a day’s notice,” says Michel Dominique Thomsen, Commercial Director at Dan-Bunkering.

When selecting the most suitable biofuel option, price was just one of many factors considered. Dan-Bunkering provided expert guidance on choosing the most appropriate grade of biofuel thereby also offering solutions to mitigate the risk of losing insurance by ensuring compliance with specific OEM requirements.

Loading the 300 MT of B24 VLSFO will allow the Blue Union Alpha to complete its voyage to Europe while complying with the EU’s regulatory frameworks of ETS and FuelEU Maritime.

“When we were called upon by Union Bulk for this task, we could jump into action immediately, schedule the delivery, and completed the ordering process with just a day’s notice.”

— Michel Dominique Thomsen, Commercial Director at Dan-Bunkering

Regulations require expert knowledge

For vessels accustomed to faring Asian waters, making the journey to Europe adds increased regulations on emissions and new standards to adhere to. Navigating these regulations can be challenging and often requires partnering with counterparties, who have that expert skill set.

“Before setting out on the voyage from Singapore to EU, adding B24 VLSFO was vital for us to meet emissions requirements imposed by the EU. And having both fuel quality, paperwork, and delivery in place and in time for an operation with short notice, we called Dan-Bunkering,” says Thomas Nielsen, Operations Director and Partner at Union Bulk, adding:

“This being our first biofuel bunkering operation, we went above and beyond with 300 MT, easily sufficing the journey’s needs. But this was to get experience and prove the feasibility of the operation, and it was a good experience for us both commercially and operationally. Bunkering biofuel, as is turns out, isn’t much different than regular marine fuels; but being new territory for us, we are pleased to have worked with Dan-Bunkering on this operation and have them warrant that it was done in correct manner.”

One of easiest ways to go about meeting the FuelEU requirements is to use a drop-in fuel like biofuel to lower the emissions. For a ship like the Union Blue Alpha, adding 300 MT of B24 VLSFO may result in CO2 emissions savings of about 79 tons of CO2 and a reduction in GHG Intensity compared to conventional fuels.

Dan-Bunkering is ISCC certified meeting all compliance requirements for the industry and with sound finances able to provide necessary credit to any applicable operation. Contact Dan-Bunkering to learn more about bunkering and regulatory compliance options.

Contact: Michel Dominique Thomsen
A/S Dan-Bunkering Ltd.
Phone +45 3345 5443
E-mail: mdt@dan-bunkering.com